WHEREAS preliminary science suggests that the north coast of British Columbia has offshore oil and gas reserves that may equal or better the offshore Hibernia oil fields, and the federal government has had a moratorium on offshore oil and gas exploration in the Queen Charlotte Basin since 1972, and the science of exploration and extraction has been highly developed to ensure protection of the environment; AND WHEREAS the royalties from the development of offshore oil and gas could provide significant net revenues to federal, provincial, local and First Nations governments to fund health care, education, transportation and other services to the benefit of all British Columbians, and exploration and development will create business and employment opportunities throughout the province, most significantly in those coastal communities currently suffering the highest unemployment rates in the province: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities fully support the lifting of the federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas exploration in the Queen Charlotte Basin.
Ministry of Energy Mines Resolution B114 is consistent with the Provincial position that Canada should lift the federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas exploration. The British Columbia Government is actively engaged in diversifying the provincial economy to encourage growth and opportunity. The British Columbia Government believes that offshore oil and gas opportunities could help diversify coastal British Columbias economy and contribute economically to Canada. Scientific reports conclude that the west coast conditions do not provide any insurmountable obstacles to an environmentally responsible offshore oil and gas industry.
Natural Resources Canada The Government of Canada initiated a federal review process to examine the views of the public, to identify any science gaps that may need to be addressed, and to explore issues of unique interest to First Nations. The review was implemented through three elements: an independent science review, a public review by an arms-length panel, and a First Nations engagement process. All three phases of the federal review process are now complete. The public release of the science report prepared by the Royal Society of Canada occurred on February 17, 2004. The two reports from the Public Review Panel and the First Nations Engagement process were released on November 19, 2004. These reports will help the Government of Canada assess whether or not to lift the moratorium, and under what conditions. Additional information, such as a report by the Nisgaa Nation, will also be considered. The federal government will now review all the available information on this issue, and my colleagues and I will be considering a way forward in the coming months. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that development of our natural resources strikes a balance between economic goals, and social and environmental obligations. This is an important decision for British Columbia and Canada. We will continue to work closely with the Government of British Columbia on a path forward that is in the best interests of Canadians and British Columbians. Environment Canada Environment Canada has consistently advocated that conservation and science issues need to be addressed, before a decision on lifting the federal moratorium can be made. I intend to support this position in ongoing discussions with my federal colleagues, and to actively participate in the federal process to determine whether or not the moratorium should be lifted.