The UNB Association of Civil Engineering Graduate Students is holding a forum on energy production in the province on Saturday. The associations said it is doing so to inform New Brunswickers about the science behind these energy sources.
“I think there’s a lot to learn. [New Brunswickers] have a basic understanding,” said Laird Ferguson, treasurer of the association. “Myself, when I started looking into it I didn’t realize New Brunswick generates energy in 13 different types. I think there’s a lot to learn.”
Florence Allaire, president of the association, said she also was unaware of the entirety of the provinces generation capabilities, and the projects of NB Power.
“NB Power has a lot going on with the smart grid, and stuff like that,” said Allaire. “I don’t know if [New Brunswickers] don’t have an understanding, but it’s important if they don’t that we provide it to them.”
One issue that will be discussed at the event will be the future of the Mactaquac Dam. The dam produces a large portion of the energy used in the province. Structural issues have drastically shortened the lifespan of the structure, and three of the possible ways to deal with the dam would remove any energy production capability.
It’s not just the Mactaquac Dam that will be discussed. The event will cover other methods of energy production used in the province, their advantages and limitations, as well as any pros and cons.
What the event will not include is participation from political groups or parties. Ferguson points to a prior event where he feels the political debate overshadowed the science that was presented.
“In theory it was great. Then maybe emotion got into it,” said Ferguson. “Hopefully if we can take [the politicians] out…people would be able to digest the facts more.”
Therefore this event will be politically neutral. No political parties or groups have been invited to speak, and while there will be Q & A sessions Allaire hopes that science will remain the focus.
“When you have those heated political [discussions], it take away from what we’re trying to do,” said Allaire. “What we want to do is just provide information to New Brunswickers on what energy is and how we generate it in New Brunswick.”
As much as students at St. Thomas may be more inclined to attend an event discussing the political ramifications of energy production in the province, Allaire said it’s important for everyone to understand the science behind the production. She said that while it’s important for scientists to understand the political side of policy, more political minded people should also be aware of the science behind policy.
The event will be held between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 21 at the Wu Centre and is open to the public.
