Posted April 6, 2004

It is being prophesized as the newest saviour of British Columbia's coastal economic woes. But is offshore oil and gas drilling in Dixon Entrance, Hecate Strait, and Queen Charlotte Sound a real option for British Columbians, or rather a tantalizing "quick fix," offering a temporary financial band-aid to our battered northern communities? Our forest industry is reeling from decades of unsustainable harvests, mill closures, and rising U.S. tariffs. Our fisheries have seen a steady decline due to significant loss of fish stocks. Small wonder that corporate eyes have turned to the largest unexploited resource in the province, offshore oil and gas, as the latest means of padding their pocket books and putting off the inevitable - that is, a significant change to cleaner, renewable, and sustainable energy sources.

It is a classic case of government doublespeak - on one hand, Canada has committed to the Kyoto Protocol, towards a reduction of CO2 production to 6% less than 1990 levels by the year 2012, in efforts to stem the scientifically-recognized tide of global warming. On the other hand, our provincial government is working in exactly the opposite direction, pushing hard to lift a 30 year-old moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling in B.C. - which would mean more fossil fuel consumption, more CO2 production, and an increase in our contribution to global warming.

Recognized at an international level as a UNESCO "World Heritage Site," the marine environment surrounding Gwaii Haanas (South Moresby) on the southern end of the Queen Charlottes, constitutes one of only three National Marine Conservation Areas in Canada, established under the National Parks Act. The environmental threats of offshore oil and gas drilling - seismic testing, unavoidable daily pollution, and the threat of oil spills - to our outstanding National Marine Conservation Area is too great to allow.

Both the Tsimshian Tribal Council and the Council of Haida Nation, both with unsettled territorial claims in the region, have come out strongly opposed to the lifting of the moratorium, citing the integral link between their cultures and the marine environment. If oil and gas interests take precedence over the just settlement of aboriginal territorial claims, and the clearly stated will of local First Nations groups, it would be a serious breach of faith for all those currently involved in treaty processes around the province.

From a jobs perspective, an oil boom off the west coast could provide for some short-term income in an economically depressed area of the province. Yet, the best and longest-term jobs would be filled by highly specialized individuals, largely imported by the oil companies -- not by local unemployed forestry or fisheries sector workers. And the jobs of those who are currently employed in fisheries (about 10,000 British Columbians), and tourism, the fastest growing industry in the province, would be compromised. Tourists don't flock to British Columbia's magnificent west coast to look at oil rigs, tankers, and oil-contaminated waters.

Every step of the way, from seismic testing and the actual drilling, to the transportation of the oil, offshore drilling presents serious ecological threats to our sensitive coastal ecosystems. Seismic testing (the blasting of underwater air guns to determine the locations to drill) is known to adversely affect fish larvae, blow up the swim bladders of nearby fish, and potentially alter the behavioural patterns of large sea mammals, including grey whales. Part and parcel with drilling comes an "acceptable" level of polluting, toxic discharge and by-products. And the transportation of oil presents the largest threat of major oil spills on our coast, through human error (remember the Exxon Valdez) or other mishaps that happen with frightening regularity, the world over. On top of that, consider that Hecate Strait is home to some of the world's most violent storms, winds and waves. Consider also that this is one of the world's most earthquake prone regions. Despite industry claims that technology has advanced now to a point where it is ready for these challenges, accidents happen -- and we all know that technology is far from infallible.

Over 75 different organizations, representing tens of thousands of individuals, have come together as the Oil Free Coast Alliance to speak out against the lifting of the moratorium. This Alliance contains groups as diverse as the United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union, numerous First Nations Tribal Councils, environmental advocacy groups, as well as tourism organizations. This is not a single interest issue. With so many people and interests speaking out strongly against the potential lifting of the moratorium, this will be an excellent opportunity for the Liberal government to show they truly are accountable to the voice of British Columbians, and not simply the single-focused interests of the oil industry.

Gordon Campbell's BC Liberal government and the federal Liberal government appear poised any day to sign an agreement that will lead to the lifting of the two moratoriums on offshore oil and gas drilling in BC. For over 30 years, both the provincial and federal moratoriums have prevented the development of massive oil rigs along BC's still wild coast. The two governments may soon implement a "scientific review" of the environmental risks posed by oil and gas drilling - funded by the oil companies that stand to benefit from the drilling! Talk about a conflict of interest! While Campbell is fully intent on lifting the provincial moratorium, the federal Liberals might keep their moratorium in place if they hear from YOU! Let them know whether they should Maintain the Moratorium in order to prevent:

• chronic oil leakages and toxic drilling fluids that will contaminate the marine life
• the high risk of oil spills and blowouts in the Hecate Strait, Canada's most earthquake prone region with some of the world's highest waves
• energy policies that run counter to the Kyoto Protocol
• infringements on Haida and Tsimshian Nations' rights, who oppose any drilling

Minister of Environment David Anderson: anderd@parl.gc.ca (613) 996-2358

Minister of Natural Resources Herb Dhaliwal: dhalih@parl.gc.ca (613) 995-7052

Minister of Western Diversification Stephen Owen: owens@parl.gc.ca (613) 992-2430

All can be written at: House of Commons, Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0A6 (no postage needed)

Visit the Oil Free Coast Society website, at www.oilfreecoast.org