Hydraulic Fracturing: Alberta NDP Calls For Probe Into Controversial Natural Gas Extraction Method

EDMONTON - Alberta New Democrats are calling for an investigation into hydraulic fracturing.

Environment critic Rachel Notley wants an independent group to research the safety of the technique, which involves sending water or gas underground to break up rock and force out natural gas.

Notley says the Progressive Conservative government is working exclusively with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers on a public relations campaign to promote the practice.

She says the Alberta government doesn't really know if fracking is safe or sustainable, and they are only consulting with CAPP, who has a vested interest in pushing forward.

Quebec halted its fledgling shale-gas industry earlier this year following recommendations in an environmental-assessment report that advised the province to conduct more studies on the ecological risks.