Reports on B.C. Offshore Moratorium Released

OTTAWA - The Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, today announced the release of two reports addressing the federal moratorium on oil and gas activities off the coast of British Columbia. The two reports complete the arm's-length federal review process initiated in 2003. These reports, from the Public Review Panel and the First Nations Engagement Process, provide views of British Columbians, including coastal First Nations, on the federal moratorium. A previous report under the federal review was prepared by the Royal Society of Canada concerning the state of the science, and was released in February 2004.

"This has been a broad and open process. We have now heard a wide range of views from British Columbians and appreciate their contribution," said Minister Efford. "This is an important decision for B.C. and for Canada. These reports will help the Government assess the next steps regarding the moratorium, and my colleagues and I will be looking at them in the coming months."

The three-part federal process is not a decision-making process, but rather a way to explore the issues and views of British Columbians regarding the federal moratorium. The three reports provide valuable input to help the Government of Canada assess whether or not, or under what conditions, to lift the federal moratorium on offshore B.C. oil and gas activities in the Queen Charlotte region.

Also released today was a report on this issue from the Nisga'a Nation. Respecting the unique relationship between Canada and the Nisga'a Nation set out in the Nisga'a Final Agreement (the Nisga'a Treaty), the Nisga'a Lisims Government has submitted a separate report on the oil and gas moratorium to the Minister of Natural Resources Canada.

It can be viewed along with the three reports from the federal review process at www2.nrcan.gc.ca/es/erb/prb/english/View.asp?x=611.

Protecting our coastline and ocean is very important. At the same time, the Government of Canada recognizes that offshore oil and gas activities have the potential to contribute to the long-term economic development of the province. There are a variety of public views and concerns that need to be taken into account by the Government of Canada before any decision is taken regarding the moratorium.