Today, Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, issued the following statement on high-volume hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Ontario:

“Protecting our environment and water is a top priority for our government.

There are currently no applications before the Ministry requesting approval to explore for shale gas or oil, or to use high-volume hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking.

At this time, the Ministry would not consider applications for the use of high-volume hydraulic fracturing before proper consultations with stakeholders, Aboriginal communities, and the public are conducted to ensure that adequate measures are in place to protect the environment.

Staff from my ministry, and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, will continue to monitor the latest developments and research in other jurisdictions.”