Yukon New Democrats are calling for an immediate moratorium on fracking in the territory.

During question period in the legislature Wednesday. Jim Tredger, the critic for Energy, Mines and Resources (EMR), asked EMR Minister Brad Cathers to not allow the controversial method of fossil fuel extraction until the process can be proved safe and Yukoners are consulted.

Tredger noted that so far, there has been no public discussion in the Yukon about fracking.

Fracking, more formally known as hydraulic fracturing, is the process of injecting a pressurized mix of water and other substances into the ground to release trapped natural gas.

The process is not currently being practised in the Yukon.

Quebec imposed a moratorium on fracking last spring after a report recommended it be halted until more studies are carried out.

In B.C., the debate continues as the northern reaches of the province see just how much potential the practice has in areas of huge shale gas deposits.

"The negative health and environmental consequences of fracking are enormous,” said Tredger.

"In other jurisdictions, drinking water, water tables and whole watershed have been contaminated with toxins and carcinogens.”

Although Cathers wouldn't touch the issue of a moratorium, he did say that officials are reviewing the matter.

"This area is something on which the Yukon officials within the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources have been active, and are currently active, in working with other Canadian and American jurisdictions reviewing matters pertaining to all practices with oil and gas,” he said.

Kevin Barr, the NDP MLA for Mount Lorne-Southern Lakes, asked Cathers to make a clear statement that the government will oppose any developments which would threaten Yukon's drinking water.

He used the story of Jessica Ernst of Rosebud, Alta., to back his statement.

"After her well water was contaminated by nearby fracking, Ms. Ernst went public and showed the world how she could light her tap water on fire,” Barr said. "Ms. Ernst received horrible burns and rashes from taking a shower.”

Barr said test reuslts showed high levels of ethane, methane and benzene in her water.

Cathers replied that his answer is the same as he'd given five times that afternoon.

"We are focused on developing a regulatory regime that allows for the responsible development of Yukon's oil and gas resources,” he said.

Jesse Devost, an EMR spokesperson, told the Star this morning his department is "trying to be ahead of the curb” when it comes to fracking.

Devost repeated what Cathers said, explaining that EMR is looking at other jurisdictions to ensure regulations appropriately cover the fracking technique.

As for whether oil and gas companies would be interested in fracking in the Yukon, Devost said, "Possibly, but we don't know for sure.”

He said northern B.C. has large shale gas deposits, but officials won't know about the Yukon until companies start exploring.

"We know it's an issue the public is interested in, so we want to make sure our regulations properly address it if in the future companies decide to use this technique.”