Government of Canada Extends First Nations Engagement Process on B.C. Offshore

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OTTAWA - The Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, today announced the extension of the First Nations engagement process until early September 2004 to allow broader discussions with more First Nations communities in British Columbia. These proceedings are one phase in a process to obtain the views of British Columbians on whether or not to lift the federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas activities. "It is important to extend the time frame for listening to First Nations peoples," said Minister Efford. "We are very pleased that the process in British Columbia is progressing well and want to ensure that all interested parties have the opportunity to provide their views related to the federal moratorium on oil and gas activities." Ms. Cheryl Brooks, a skilled facilitator with extensive experience working with Aboriginal organizations and the public and private sectors, is leading the First Nations engagement. In another phase of the federal process, an arm'-length review panel held hearings to seek the views of the general public. The meetings took place in northern and coastal British Columbia from early April until May 18, 2004. The panel heard more than 400 oral presentations and received approximately 2,000 written submissions. It is now accepting final comments based on those submissions until August 6, 2004, and will submit a report of its findings to the Minister of Natural Resources Canada this fall. "Offshore oil and gas exploration and development is a complex technological, economic and social issue," said Minister Efford. "It is encouraging to see so many British Columbians participating in this important review. I look forward to receiving the reports from the public review panel and from the discussions with First Nations once the process is complete." In addition to the science report submitted in February 2004 by the Royal Society of Canada, these reports will provide valuable input for a decision on how the Government of Canada will proceed with the moratorium on oil and gas activities in the Queen Charlotte area of British Columbia. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the sustainable development of our natural resources and ensuring strong social foundations and a strong economy for the 21st century built on partnership, opportunity, achievement and the real engagement of Canadians. Information about the British Columbia offshore oil and gas moratorium review process can be found at the following Web sites: http://www.moratoriumpublicreview.ca/; http://www.bcm-mcb.nrcan.gc.ca/; and www.rsc.ca/BC_offshore/indexEN.html. For more information, media may contact: Cathy WordenDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister Natural Resources CanadaOttawa(613) 996-2007 Ghyslain CharronMedia RelationsNatural Resources CanadaOttawa(613) 992-4447

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2016-12-15

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Government of Canada Extends First Nations Engagement Process on B.C. Offshore

News Release

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Government of Canada Extends First Nations Engagement Process on B.C. Offshore

News Release

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