SAINT JOHN, N.B. -  Canada’s Natural Resources Minister isn’t willing to take sides on New Brunswick’s shale gas debate.

While in Saint John earlier this week, Joe Oliver noted that natural resources are the property of the province.

And when it comes the exploration of them, the Minister says the decision falls under provincial guidelines. “It’s the authority and responsibility of the province of New Brunswick to conduct their own studies and come to their own conclusions in that regard.”

Oliver did speak about how British Columbia has embraced the shale gas industry for past 50 years and how the regulators in the western provinces are pleased with the development.

The provincial government is expected to release an oil and natural gas blueprint in spring 2013.