Natural Resources Canada2004/03February 17, 2004GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WELCOMES SCIENCE PANEL REPORT ON B.C. OFFSHOREOTTAWA - The Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, today welcomed a report by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) which set out to identify science gaps which may need to be filled before a decision is made as to whether or not the federal moratorium on oil and gas activities offshore British Columbia should be lifted. "I would like to thank Dr. Jeremy Hall and all the members of the expert panel at the Royal Society of Canada for their hard work and dedication in preparing this report," said Minister Efford. "The Panel has produced a report that underlines the importance of a sound scientific foundation for any possible oil and gas exploration on the Pacific coast. This report is one element of a larger information-gathering process, and its findings will be considered before any decisions are made." The science review is a first step in the Government of Canada's review process. It will be followed by sessions for the public and First Nations to express their views on the broad environmental and socio-economic impacts relevant to the moratorium. The Public Review Panel, led by Roland Priddle, is expected to begin consultations in B.C. communities in late March 2004. Minister Efford also announced the appointment of Cheryl Brooks to lead the First Nations engagement process. First Nations are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the federal review; however, this engagement process will provide an additional opportunity to explore issues of unique interest to First Nations. "We are very pleased to have Ms. Brooks conducting these discussions," said Minister Efford. "Her experience working in Aboriginal organizations, as well as in senior positions in both the public and private sectors, makes her uniquely suited to lead this aspect of the Government's review." On March 28, 2003, the Government of Canada announced the establishment of a review process to examine the moratorium on oil and gas activities in the Queen Charlotte area offshore British Columbia. The findings resulting from the review process will form the basis of an informed decision on how the Government will address the moratorium. This review process is not a decision on whether or not to lift the federal moratorium, but rather a means to fully explore the issues and views of British Columbians. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring our quality of life by supporting sustainable development of our vital natural resources sectors. Ensuring a vibrant, sustainable future for Canada requires the integration of economic, social and environmental considerations into our decision-making process. It is this balanced approach to governing that will help achieve our goal of building a strong 21st -century economy for Canadians. The RSC report can be found at http://www.rsc.ca/. Further information on the overall federal review process can be found at http://www.bcm-mcb.nrcan.gc.ca/. For more information, media may contact: Alexandra Muir Ghyslain Charron Director of Communications Media Relations Office of the Minister, Natural Resources Canada Natural Resources Canada (613) 992-4447 (613) 947-8246 The following media backgrounder is also available: B.C. Offshore Review Appointment
