When those faced with decisions ask the question, ‘What does the science say about this?’ the answer must move beyond listing the knowns and unknowns to an understanding of the relevance of the existing information, framed in a way that usefully informs the choices being made. That credible prioritization of knowledge to effectively support decisions and inform next steps is central to the CWN pro [...] In light of the importance of the decisions being made and the challenging nature of the debate, trust in the sources of knowledge is fundamental. [...] Although there are differences in both the focus areas and findings of the various review studies, there is also considerable overlap in the nature of the leading questions being asked and the kinds of gaps that were identified as obstacles to progress. [...] This growth has also raised the profile of decisions and increased the focus on questions about the relative merits and risks involved; how to effectively manage and regulate the activity; and what the implications are for broader questions about where hydraulic fracturing developments fit within regional development decisions. [...] In Canada, unconventional oil and gas western cases of development has largely occurred in the west to date (over 80%), Alberta and British Columbia where there is a more significant history of oil and gas production and the east coast cases of and greater regulatory experience.