There
are three parties involved in lifting the moratoria to allow
the continuation of oil and gas exploration: the BC provincial
government, the federal government, and the First Nations
groups.
The
BC provincial government initiated a report (Strong
et al.) for January 2002 to examine the issue. This scientific
report found no reason for exploration not to commence off
the BC coast. (Note: Though exploration is allowed to begin
doesn't necessarily mean that oil and gas extraction will
actually take place.)
The
federal government had its own review, which is still in process.
It undertook a three-tiered examination:
| |
A
scientific report through the Royal
Society. This report also found no scientific reason
to prohibit exploration. However, they admitted that there
are still gaps in scientific knowledge. |
| |
A
public consultation through a review panel, which submitted
its report to the Minister of Natural Resources in October,
2004 (report).
It showed strong division amongst British Columbians on
whether or not to lift the moratorium on oil and gas exploration. |
| |
A
First Nations engagement to examine issues such as their
role in the decision-making process and their share in
the benefits. |
The
third party, the First Nations, are currently in the process
of examining options to better assess the situation so they
can provide a more informed response.
Private Industry
The private sector has shown a great deal of interest in offshore
exploration. However, before any development can begin, a
strong social, political and economic framework must first
be established. Issues such as ownership and revenue sharing,
processes of environmental assessment and the creation of
a regulatory framework must all be considered. All environmental
concerns need to be addressed as well, and a situation of
environmental certainty needs to be established before moving
into the area.
In
Summary:
| |
Proceeding
with exploration and production is not
a given. |
| |
There
are strong indications of petroleum along BC's coasts,
but all these estimates are highly speculative. |
| |
Considerable
environmental, social and economic evaluations to occur
before renewing offshore exploration. |
|
