The fracturing of shale formations holds the promise of almost free energy for the entire world. This may well (no pun intended) be the most important economic development of the next fifty years. Here are some implications: 1. Accelerating economic growth 2. Shrinking of the oil and gas industry (revenues shrink, like with mainframe industry thirty years ago) obsolescence of utility companies. (power generated at home level; more efficient) 3. No more coal 4. No alternative energy industry 5. Disruptive politics as industries and interests negatively affected engage in a bitter but futile resistance. 6. Middle East becomes unimportant and Canadians focus more on maple syrup production. In short, the future lies before us.