By Jennifer McLarty

Federal NDP leader Jack Layton says his party will fight to strengthen a 30-year moratorium on oil and gas exploration along B.C.’s coast if three local candidates are elected Jan. 23.

Layton, who made a whirlwind stop in Victoria Dec. 2, says the Liberal government has failed to protect B.C.’s environmental assets by not drafting a formal policy on the long-standing issue.

“I’m shocked there aren’t tougher protections. It should be a priority,” said Layton, who’s worried the subject will drop from Ottawa’s radar when Victoria Liberal MP David Anderson retires next month. The former environment minister has been an outspoken advocate for the moratorium, arguing drilling shouldn’t occur until there’s evidence it won’t harm the environment.

Earlier this year, Western Economic Diversification Minister Stephen Owen hinted the Liberal government will announce a full decision on the moratorium by 2006, but couldn’t say whether politicians are leaning towards lifting the ban or extending it. B.C.-based exploration firms are anxious for a reprieve, arguing the decades-long restriction has stalled the creation of high-paying jobs.

In response, Layton argues the federal government should be nurturing green technologies that will reduce Canada’ reliance on fossil fuels.