WHEREAS a crude oil spill would have devastating and long lasting effects on British Columbias unique and diverse coast, which provides critical marine habitat and marine resources that sustain the social, cultural, environmental and economic health of coastal and First Nations communities; AND WHEREAS citizens of British Columbia, particularly those living in coastal communities, and First Nations communities and environmental groups have expressed well-founded concerns over the expansion of oil pipelines and oil tankers: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM oppose projects that would lead to the expansion of oil tanker traffic through BCs coastal waters; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that UBCM urge the Premier of British Columbia, the Leader of the Official Opposition and members of the Legislative Assembly to use whatever legislative and administrative means that are available to stop the expansion of oil tanker traffic through BCs coastal waters.
Ministry of Environment British Columbia recognizes increased risk to the environment posed by an increase in tanker traffic linked to approval of pipelines transporting Alberta bitumen to the coast. British Columbia has publicly released its technical analysis Requirements for British Columbia to Consider Support for Heavy Oil Pipelines. Within that analysis, BC outlines five conditions for formal support. These include: 1. Joint Review Panel Approval; 2. World Class Coastal Protection Regime; 3. Terrestrial Protection and Spill Prevention; 4. Appropriate Aboriginal Engagement, Participation and Accommodation; and 5. Improved Fiscal Benefits to British Columbia. A key condition requires world leading marine spill preparedness and response systems for British Columbia. Within that requirement, there are 11 recommendations the Province sees as necessary to bring British Columbia to that standard. In order for there to be any possibility of heavy oil projects receiving the support of the Province, each of the five principles must be satisfactorily addressed in advance of formal support being considered by British Columbia.