WHEREAS the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project will result in increased crude oil tanker traffic and risk of accidental oil spills in northern coastal waters in British Columbia; AND WHEREAS a crude oil spill will have devastating and long lasting effects on the Pacific North Coast area that is recognized for its unique and diverse ocean ecosystems, which provide critical marine habitat and marine resources that sustain the social, cultural, environmental and economic health of coastal communities, including First Nations communities: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM be opposed to any expansion of bulk crude oil tanker traffic in Dixon Entrance, Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound in British Columbia; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the UBCM petition the federal government to establish a legislated ban on bulk crude oil tanker traffic through Dixon Entrance, Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound in British Columbia.
Ministry of Energy As a coastal province, marine transportation is important to our economy and the well-being of our coastal communities. Ocean going vessels are powered by and, in some cases carry as cargo, fossil fuels. Most coastal communities, including Vancouver Island, are able to obtain supplies of oil and gasoline by barge and tanker transport. It is important for tankers to reach our ports. To date, British Columbias tanker history has been excellent. Tankers have been delivering and exporting petroleum and refined products in the Lower Mainland for 100 years. The Federal Government has regulatory authority over tanker traffic on the British Columbia coast. There is no moratorium on tankers entering British Columbia ports. The Provincial Government has been clear that development of oil and gas can only move forward in a scientifically sound, environmentally safe manner.
Ministry of Natural Resources Regarding B139 bulk crude oil tanker traffic, this resolution cites the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines NGP project and asks the Government to establish a legislated ban on bulk crude oil tanker traffic in northern B.C. waters. This proposal aims to prevent the NGP project from proceeding; this would, in essence, require the federal government to make a decision on the NGP project prior to the completing of the ongoing environmental and regulatory review by the Joint Review Panel JRP, which was established by the federal government. The Government intends to await the JRPs report and recommendations before making a decision on the project. Ministry of Environment With regard to oil tanker traffic, although a moratorium exists on oil and gas exploration and development off the coast of British Columbia, it does not apply to tanker traffic. Under federal and provincial law, tankers are free to travel to and from British Columbia ports. There is, however a Tanker Excursion Zone, which is a voluntary measure negotiated between Canada and the United States. This applies only to loaded southern-bound oil tankers en route from Alaska and would not apply to the proposed Enbridge Gateway Pipeline Project. The Project is currently the subject of an environmental assessment by a Joint Review Panel. The review panel process provides the most thorough type of review available under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the National Energy Board Act. Under this process, the proponent, Northern Gateway Pipelines Inc. must describe in detail the nature of the Project it proposes, the anticipated environmental effects and the proposed measures to mitigate adverse impacts. This includes provision for a broad assessment of the potential environmental effects, including those resulting form a marine transportation. The environmental assessment is being conducted in an open and transparent public forum by a panel of experts appointed by the Chair of the National Energy Board and the former Minister of Environment. The review panel process will provide an opportunity for all hearing participants to make their view known on the Project. All interested organizations and individuals are encouraged to bring their views on the Project and its associated issues forward to the Panel.