NEWS RELEASE

RIVERKEEPER AND COUNCILLOR ANNOUNCE RENEWED COLLABORATION

Moncton, 3 November 2006 – The Petitcodiac Riverkeeper organization and Moncton city councillor Steven Boyce today launched a renewed collaboration in the ongoing effort to protect the integrity of the Petitcodiac watershed. The announcement is particularly relevant in view of current concerns about possible oil and gas exploration and development within the boundaries of the protected Turtle Creek Watershed.

“It would be irresponsible to ignore the large and compelling body of evidence, especially from Alberta, that this type of industrial intrusion can pose serious threats to the quality and dependability of water supplies for both residential and commercial use,” stated Councillor Boyce.

“As guardians of the entire Petitcodiac watershed, our organization offers its support to any political leader, or indeed to any citizen of the region, who is committed to principles of sound environmental stewardship,” explained Mr. Desjardins, chair of the Petitcodiac Riverkeeper. “In this case, we are proud to take a stand with Councillor Boyce in demanding that all due precautions be exercised, up to and including closure of the Turtle Creek Watershed to oil and gas development, in order to protect the integrity of the largest source of drinking water in the Greater Moncton area. We will be monitoring the situation very closely, and will demand the full application of the law to correct any abuses.”

At the same time, Councillor Boyce announced that he has resigned his position as Riverkeeper in order to devote his energies more fully to pursuing this and other environmental issues in the political arena. The Riverkeeper Board accepted his resignation with regret, following a discussion of the issue at a special meeting on Wednesday evening.

“My main reason for resigning is that, given my increased workload at City Hall, it is not possible for me to fulfill both the responsibilities of Riverkeeper and those of City Councilor. My first commitment is to the electorate that has entrusted me with the role of Councilor.”

While Mr. Boyce is no longer employed by the Riverkeeper organization, he has accepted the unanimous invitation of its directors to join them as a member of the board.

In making the announcement, Michel Desjardins stated, “We are very pleased that we will continue to have the benefit of Steven’s insight and enthusiasm in our work, not only in relation to the Turtle Creek issue, but on behalf of the entire Petitcodiac watershed and the human and natural communities that it sustains.”

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Further information: Michel Desjardins 389-8221 and/or Steven Boyce 852-1001