Premier Campbell currently touring the Far East has caused a bit of controversy over his comments that a moratorium on oil and gas exploration is but a few years away from being lifted.
Speaking in Hong Kong Campbell suggested that within two to three years the coast of BC could be opened up for exploration and development, comments which no doubt appealed to the money markets of China, but have been met with less than glowing reviews from the provincial and federal representatives in the electoral ridings.
Both NDP MP Nathan Cullen and NDP MLA Gary Coons took issue with the Premier’s timeline of development and suggested that he may wish to consult with the residents of the riding before getting ready to cash the royalty cheques.
The Daily news featured the debate on the front page of the Monday paper.
PREMIER ATTACKED FOR PLAN TO EXPLOIT B.C. OIL AND GAS
By James Vassallo
The Daily News
Pages one and three
Monday, November 27, 2006
The provincial and federal representatives for Prince Rupert have no kind words for B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell after his suggestion that offshore oil and gas exploration could be opened up in just a few years.
“I think he’s suffering from too much jet lag,” said Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen.
“There’s no indication from the federal government of even opening up this conversation (and) if he spent some time in our region, he’d know that the opposition is as firm as ever to the project.”
Campbell told a group of business leaders in Hong Kong last week that the moratorium on offshore oil and gas exploration off the B.C. coast could be lifted in two to three years.
“The people in my riding will have to live with the consequences,” said North Coast MLA Gary Coons, adding that the premier needs to speak to the people of this region if he has any intention of exploring offshore development. “So, the premier’s enthusiasm is a little premature.”
Since the statement, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld has said that no decision will be made until after the necessary scientific research is done.
Both federal and provincial NDP believe there are far more than two to three years of scientific research needed before such a project could be considered.
“Maybe, the premier should check the facts with his minister before he tries to sell off shore drilling in Hong Kong,” said John Horgan, provincial NDP critic for energy and mines.
“Although it appears Neufeld thinks a majority federal government will somehow solve all of the environmental and technical issues off shore development will create.
“I have news for both the premier and the minister — British Columbians want to be assured that the B.C. Liberal lust for development will not trump solid science and full consultation with First Nations and coastal residents.”
Regardless of what the official position of the province is, Cullen added that he is yet to hear from a single company that has made a business case for going ahead with an offshore project in B.C.
“I’ve been meeting with oil and gas companies this year on other topics, but they remain completely mute on their enthusiasm or even interest in pursuing the offshore option in B.C.,” said the MP. “They have many other things they’d rather be doing and I’m confused as to why the premier would have almost a renegade position. I just don’t see any basis of reality in it at all, and it’s irresponsible actually to keep this pipe dream alive for a narrow interest.”
The combination of the $120 million-plus well that would have to be dug along with the necessary consultations with local First Nations and risks of a potential disaster add up to a project that just doesn’t make sense environmentally or economically, Cullen said.
“They keep floating this project as some sort of panacea to the problems, but we have a lot more progressive job solutions going on right now that are real and are good for our region.”
The Daily News is available on line at this link.
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