Month: February 2015

Here is the The Port au Port /Bay St George Fracking Awareness Group’s letter to Scott Tessier, Chair and CEO of the

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB)

Dear Mr Tessier:

Re: The C-NLOPB, and the Western Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area Strategic Environmental Assessment and Update Report

The Port au Port/ Bay St. George Fracking Awareness Group was formed on February 18, 2013, to develop strategies dealing with the potential social, health and environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing planned for Shoal Point on the Port au Port Peninsula. The Fracking Awareness Group is actively involved in increasing public awareness regarding hydraulic fracturing and oil and gas exploration in Western Newfoundland. Our group has organized seventeen community public presentations and a well attended public Forum on hydraulic fracturing which was held at Port au Port East in April of this year.

The Fracking Awareness Committee submits the following comments regarding the role of the C-NLOPB, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Process, and the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Update Report.

Underlying Systemic Contextual Problem

We begin with reference to Section 2.2 Spatial and Temporal Boundaries and Figure 1.1 in the SEA Update Report and an underlying systemic problem. The spatial and temporal areas that have been delineated in the Western Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area in the SEA and the Update Report are integral to the larger Gulf of St. Lawrence marine and coastal ecosystem.

It is our view that you must establish an appropriate governance and regulatory regime for the whole spatial – temporal area before you start dividing it and selecting parts to develop petroleum resources. Before an offshore petroleum development agency, such as the C-NLOPB, gives licences, authorizations to oil and gas companies for exploration and development within specific spatial and temporary boundaries, we should first have some form of legitimate democratic governance and management system for the larger spatial context – the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Oil and gas and other developments in the Gulf region should be reviewed and approved subject to a democratic process which includes legitimate collaboration, cooperation and consultation with and between the federal government, provincial governments,, communities, industry, NGOs and especially the general public.

With reference to the Federal and Provincial Government, the C- NLOPB and the regulation of oil and gas development, Scott Vaughan, Canada’s Federal Government Commissioner of the Environment in January, 2013, reported that environmental protection (which includes regulating) is not keeping up with resource development, leaving people and their environment exposed to the risks of oil spills, pollution and damage to fragile habitat.

Independence and objectivity of the C-NLOPB? Conflicting mandate –

We are concerned about the independence and objectivity of the C-NLOPB. We support the recommendation of Judge Robert Wells, in his report on offshore safety in the oil industry, that there should be a separate independent regulatory agency for worker safety and environmental protection. Our Group believes that the C-NLOPB and the Provincial Department of Environment and Conservation as partners in the conjoint regulatory body, should not be both a facilitator of oil and gas development and a regulator for worker safety and environmental protection.

The C-NLOPB is increasingly losing credibility and legitimacy with the general public. The Board is conducting a strategic environmental assessment to supposedly determine if it is appropriate to proceed with oil and gas development in Newfoundland’s gulf waters and, at the same time, it is allowing seismic testing, issuing licenses, making land ownership and control agreements with oil companies and otherwise facilitating oil and gas exploration and development.

Mitigation Focus

The C-NLOPB has a conflicting mandate for petroleum industry development, worker safety and environmental health. Its focus is on oil and gas exploration and development backed up by industry consultants who focus on ‘mitigation’ of negative impacts, instead of protecting vulnerable and poorly understood ecosystems.

Impartiality of Consultants

AMEC Environment & Infrastructure(AMEC) is a division of AMEC, one of the world’s leading engineering, project management and consultancy companies whose clients include BP and Shell. According to the company’s website, the company is on the London Stock Exchange in the Oil Equipment and Services Sector, and offers services which extend from environmental and front end engineering design before the start of a project to decommissioning at the end of an asset’s life.

Federal and Provincial Policies- Energy Production and Climate Change

The petroleum sector also has to operate within a national policy agenda which sets out national goals, priorities and direction. Environmental assessment related to oil and gas exploration must address the urgent need to take action on climate change and must take into consideration National and Provincial Strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions The careful management of petroleum production and minimizing environmental impacts are part of the contribution to the sustainable development of our country. Canada was committed to cutting its greenhouse emissions to 6% -below 1990 levels by 2012, but in 2009 emissions were 17% higher than in 1990. Human activities that involve burning fossil fuels (e.g.. coal, oil) can change the composition of the atmosphere through emissions of greenhouse gases and other substances. The build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is the primary cause for concern about climate change now and into the immediate future.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador made a commitment in their 2011 Climate Change Action Plan to be a global leader in the arena of climate change which they indicate is “one of the greatest long-term challenges facing the planet”. In the bigger picture there is a necessary shift that must happen towards more sustainable and renewable forms of energy within a green economy.

Requesting a Moratorium

The Port au Port/ Bay St. George Fracking Awareness Committee is asking our provincial and federal governments to enact a moratorium on oil and gas exploration and development in the Gulf of St. Lawrence until they have established a more democratic governance and ecosystem based management system and until oil and gas exploration and development are subject to a credible independent, science based environmental assessment process.

Alternative Model – Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Based Managementdemocratic civil engagement in land and marine-coastal use governance and planning which offer citizens and community groups an opportunity to democratically participate in ecosystem management and resource development which profoundly affect their lives and the environment.

We refer to a June 2011, United Nations Environment Program Document, Taking Steps Towards a Marine and Coastal Ecosystem -Based Management System; An Introductory Guide.

This ecosystem based management system model offers an alternative to the present form of undemocratic, single sector, petroleum industry centered resource management being facilitated by Offshore Petroleum Boards.
I refer to the Wikipedia articles on “Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Based Management”

“Ecosystem-based management for marine environments moves away from the traditional strategies in which single species and single sectors are managed individually (Slocombe 1993); rather it is an integrated approach which considers all key activities, particularly anthropogenic, that affect marine environments (Levin and Lubchenco 2008). The objective is to ensure sustainable ecosystems, thus protecting the resources and services they provide (Guerry 2005).

In recent years there has been increasing recognition of disruption to marine ecosystems resulting from climate change, overfishing, nutrient and chemical pollution from land runoff, coastal development, bycatch, habitat destruction and other human activities (Levin and Lubchenco 2008). There are very clear links between human activities and marine ecosystem functioning; this has become an issue of high importance because there are many services provided by marine ecosystems that are declining as a result of these impacts. These services include the provision of food, fuel, mineral resources, pharmaceuticals, as well as opportunities for recreation, trade, research and education (Leslie and McLeod 2007).

Guerry (2005) has identified an urgent need to improve the management of these declining ecosystems, particularly in coastal areas, to ensure a sustainable future. Human communities depend on marine ecosystems for important resources, but without holistic management these ecosystems are likely to collapse. It has been suggested that the degradation of marine ecosystems is largely the result of poor governance and that new approaches to management are required (Olsson et al. 2008). The Pew Oceans Commission (POC 2003) and the US Commission of Ocean Policy (USCOP 2004) have indicated the importance of moving from current piecemeal management to a more integrated ecosystem-based approach (Guerry 2005)

In conclusion, we have proposed for your consideration and action, means for more democratic civil engagement in land and marine-coastal use governance and planning which offer citizens and community groups an opportunity to democratically participate in ecosystem management and resource development which profoundly affect their lives and the environment.

Yours sincerely, Robert Diamond (Stephenville)

Co- Chair, Port au Port/Bay St. George Fracking Awareness Committee

Cc.

Premier Kathy Dunderdale, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Government of Canada The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Government of Canada Hon. Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Hon. Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Hon. Tom Marshall, Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Photo Credit: Michael Fishbach – Great Whale Conservancy

On Saturday, November 1st at 6:30 pm, the Prince Edward Island Preserve Co. in New Glasgow, PEI will host a fundraiser dinner in support of the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter’s Blue Whale Campaign to protect the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

The Blue Whale Campaign is building public support for increased protection of our threatened Gulf ecosystem and a moratorium on oil and gas development in these waters.

The dinner will feature entrées Roast Chicken Dinner or a Vegetarian Lasagne followed by tea or coffee and The Preserve Company’s famous raspberry pie.

Sierra Club coordinator Colin Jeffrey will give a presentation on current threats to the gulf ecosystem before joining local musicians Mary MacGillivray and Blaine Hrabi to provide live folk music.

Enjoy a wonderful evening with great food and music while supporting the waters that surround and sustain us! TICKETS – Please call 902-964-4300 or 1-800-565-5267 to purchase tickets – (No tickets will be available at door) $35.00 inclusive of tax and gratuity

CANT MAKE IT? Please visit http://bluewhale.causevox.com/ to learn more about this important campaign or to make a donation. Keep updated and exchange info with fellow attendees and hosts by joining our Facebook Event !

Here is the The Port au Port /Bay St George Fracking Awareness Group’s letter to Scott Tessier, Chair and CEO of the

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB)

Dear Mr Tessier:

Re: The C-NLOPB, and the Western Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area Strategic Environmental Assessment and Update Report

The Port au Port/ Bay St. George Fracking Awareness Group was formed on February 18, 2013, to develop strategies dealing with the potential social, health and environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing planned for Shoal Point on the Port au Port Peninsula. The Fracking Awareness Group is actively involved in increasing public awareness regarding hydraulic fracturing and oil and gas exploration in Western Newfoundland. Our group has organized seventeen community public presentations and a well attended public Forum on hydraulic fracturing which was held at Port au Port East in April of this year.

The Fracking Awareness Committee submits the following comments regarding the role of the C-NLOPB, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Process, and the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Update Report.

Underlying Systemic Contextual Problem

We begin with reference to Section 2.2 Spatial and Temporal Boundaries and Figure 1.1 in the SEA Update Report and an underlying systemic problem. The spatial and temporal areas that have been delineated in the Western Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area in the SEA and the Update Report are integral to the larger Gulf of St. Lawrence marine and coastal ecosystem.

It is our view that you must establish an appropriate governance and regulatory regime for the whole spatial – temporal area before you start dividing it and selecting parts to develop petroleum resources. Before an offshore petroleum development agency, such as the C-NLOPB, gives licences, authorizations to oil and gas companies for exploration and development within specific spatial and temporary boundaries, we should first have some form of legitimate democratic governance and management system for the larger spatial context – the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Oil and gas and other developments in the Gulf region should be reviewed and approved subject to a democratic process which includes legitimate collaboration, cooperation and consultation with and between the federal government, provincial governments,, communities, industry, NGOs and especially the general public.

With reference to the Federal and Provincial Government, the C- NLOPB and the regulation of oil and gas development, Scott Vaughan, Canada’s Federal Government Commissioner of the Environment in January, 2013, reported that environmental protection (which includes regulating) is not keeping up with resource development, leaving people and their environment exposed to the risks of oil spills, pollution and damage to fragile habitat.

Independence and objectivity of the C-NLOPB? Conflicting mandate –

We are concerned about the independence and objectivity of the C-NLOPB. We support the recommendation of Judge Robert Wells, in his report on offshore safety in the oil industry, that there should be a separate independent regulatory agency for worker safety and environmental protection. Our Group believes that the C-NLOPB and the Provincial Department of Environment and Conservation as partners in the conjoint regulatory body, should not be both a facilitator of oil and gas development and a regulator for worker safety and environmental protection.

The C-NLOPB is increasingly losing credibility and legitimacy with the general public. The Board is conducting a strategic environmental assessment to supposedly determine if it is appropriate to proceed with oil and gas development in Newfoundland’s gulf waters and, at the same time, it is allowing seismic testing, issuing licenses, making land ownership and control agreements with oil companies and otherwise facilitating oil and gas exploration and development.

Mitigation Focus

The C-NLOPB has a conflicting mandate for petroleum industry development, worker safety and environmental health. Its focus is on oil and gas exploration and development backed up by industry consultants who focus on ‘mitigation’ of negative impacts, instead of protecting vulnerable and poorly understood ecosystems.

Impartiality of Consultants

AMEC Environment & Infrastructure(AMEC) is a division of AMEC, one of the world’s leading engineering, project management and consultancy companies whose clients include BP and Shell. According to the company’s website, the company is on the London Stock Exchange in the Oil Equipment and Services Sector, and offers services which extend from environmental and front end engineering design before the start of a project to decommissioning at the end of an asset’s life.

Federal and Provincial Policies- Energy Production and Climate Change

The petroleum sector also has to operate within a national policy agenda which sets out national goals, priorities and direction. Environmental assessment related to oil and gas exploration must address the urgent need to take action on climate change and must take into consideration National and Provincial Strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions The careful management of petroleum production and minimizing environmental impacts are part of the contribution to the sustainable development of our country. Canada was committed to cutting its greenhouse emissions to 6% -below 1990 levels by 2012, but in 2009 emissions were 17% higher than in 1990. Human activities that involve burning fossil fuels (e.g.. coal, oil) can change the composition of the atmosphere through emissions of greenhouse gases and other substances. The build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is the primary cause for concern about climate change now and into the immediate future.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador made a commitment in their 2011 Climate Change Action Plan to be a global leader in the arena of climate change which they indicate is “one of the greatest long-term challenges facing the planet”. In the bigger picture there is a necessary shift that must happen towards more sustainable and renewable forms of energy within a green economy.

Requesting a Moratorium

The Port au Port/ Bay St. George Fracking Awareness Committee is asking our provincial and federal governments to enact a moratorium on oil and gas exploration and development in the Gulf of St. Lawrence until they have established a more democratic governance and ecosystem based management system and until oil and gas exploration and development are subject to a credible independent, science based environmental assessment process.

Alternative Model – Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Based Managementdemocratic civil engagement in land and marine-coastal use governance and planning which offer citizens and community groups an opportunity to democratically participate in ecosystem management and resource development which profoundly affect their lives and the environment.

We refer to a June 2011, United Nations Environment Program Document, Taking Steps Towards a Marine and Coastal Ecosystem -Based Management System; An Introductory Guide.

This ecosystem based management system model offers an alternative to the present form of undemocratic, single sector, petroleum industry centered resource management being facilitated by Offshore Petroleum Boards.
I refer to the Wikipedia articles on “Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Based Management”

“Ecosystem-based management for marine environments moves away from the traditional strategies in which single species and single sectors are managed individually (Slocombe 1993); rather it is an integrated approach which considers all key activities, particularly anthropogenic, that affect marine environments (Levin and Lubchenco 2008). The objective is to ensure sustainable ecosystems, thus protecting the resources and services they provide (Guerry 2005).

In recent years there has been increasing recognition of disruption to marine ecosystems resulting from climate change, overfishing, nutrient and chemical pollution from land runoff, coastal development, bycatch, habitat destruction and other human activities (Levin and Lubchenco 2008). There are very clear links between human activities and marine ecosystem functioning; this has become an issue of high importance because there are many services provided by marine ecosystems that are declining as a result of these impacts. These services include the provision of food, fuel, mineral resources, pharmaceuticals, as well as opportunities for recreation, trade, research and education (Leslie and McLeod 2007).

Guerry (2005) has identified an urgent need to improve the management of these declining ecosystems, particularly in coastal areas, to ensure a sustainable future. Human communities depend on marine ecosystems for important resources, but without holistic management these ecosystems are likely to collapse. It has been suggested that the degradation of marine ecosystems is largely the result of poor governance and that new approaches to management are required (Olsson et al. 2008). The Pew Oceans Commission (POC 2003) and the US Commission of Ocean Policy (USCOP 2004) have indicated the importance of moving from current piecemeal management to a more integrated ecosystem-based approach (Guerry 2005)

In conclusion, we have proposed for your consideration and action, means for more democratic civil engagement in land and marine-coastal use governance and planning which offer citizens and community groups an opportunity to democratically participate in ecosystem management and resource development which profoundly affect their lives and the environment.

Yours sincerely, Robert Diamond (Stephenville)

Co- Chair, Port au Port/Bay St. George Fracking Awareness Committee

Cc.

Premier Kathy Dunderdale, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Government of Canada The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Government of Canada Hon. Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Hon. Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Hon. Tom Marshall, Minister of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Expert panelists will be making connections between the issue of fracking in NL and broader regional concerns of oil development in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on February 1^st (Sunday), 2pm in lecture room (LC 301) at the Grenfell Campus of Memorial University, Corner Brook. The public is invited.

Join the Facebook Event for the panel here!

The panelists include:

Irené Novaczek, PhD, Marine Ecologist, Adjunct Professor of Island Studies, University of Prince Edward Island;

Chief Mi’sel Joe, Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi – Conne River Mi’kmaq Tribal Nation; and

Dr Michael Bradfield, Economist and member of the Nova Scotia Independent Review of Hydraulic Fracturing.

“The panelists will provide balance to industry’s talking points and information by offering perspectives on human health, environmental regulations, indigenous sovereignty, economics, legal frameworks and social acceptability.” explains Jon Parsons of the Social Justice Cooperative.

“These are all interconnected topics. By offering such wide variety of perspectives this forum will help provide information on the connections between the issues of fracking in NL and oil exploration in the Gulf of St. Lawrence” supports Conor Curtis from Divest MUN/Fossil Fuel Divestment at Grenfell.

Bob Diamond with the Save our Seas and Shores, Newfoundland and Labrador  organization is “optimistic  that  this forum will be an  opportunity for the public to be informed about other perspectives regarding the  marine and coastal areas off western Newfoundland. The Gulf of St Lawrence is much more than the oil industry view of being a source of non-renewable energy.  It is a unique, biodiverse ecosystem which supports multi-billion dollar fishery and tourism industries.”

As for Muchie Bennett, from Stephenville Crossing “I am looking forward to hear Chief Mi’sel Joe on this topic. He has proven in the past that as an Elder, his vision is one that brings wisdom. A welcome element in this discussion.”

The forum is organized and hosted by representatives of the Social Justice Co-operative http://www.socialjusticecoopnl.ca/ and Newfoundland and Labrador representatives of the  Save our Seas and Shores  organization   http://saveourseasandshores.ca/   as well as other supportive individuals in the community.

Panelists’ background information:

Irené Novaczek (née Hall) BSc Hons, PhD

Marine Ecologist, Inova Coastal Community Consulting

Adjunct Professor of Island Studies, University of Prince Edward Island

My university training was in biology, chemistry, benthic marine ecology and marine botany followed by post-doctoral work in marine survey, algal biogeography and shellfish toxicology.  Initially focused on the ecology and biogeography of marine plants, I developed into a researcher, teacher, community facilitator and program administrator in the areas of environmental conservation, marine resource management and community development.  My international work in small island community development focused on resource monitoring and management, including development and maintenance of marine protected areas.

From 1990 through 2004, my role as a scientific advisor to the Canadian Environmental Network included participation in multi-sector negotiations among industry, aboriginal, union, government and environmental sectors. One of my strengths is the ability to bridge the gaps among academic, government and community stakeholders.

From 2004-2013 I was Director of the Institute of Island Studies at UPEI, where I led research projects on a wide range of topics, e.g. the social economy, traditional knowledge of aboriginal peoples, Island sense of place, community-based resource management and climate change adaptation among others.  I have always maintained an active interest in marine ecology, community development and governance, being an active community volunteer and Councilor for Breadalbane Municipality. Currently I am working as an independent consultant, most recently for Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

I am an experienced trainer and researcher and have authored many peer-reviewed publications and book contributions as well as technical reports, policy briefs and community manuals. I also have long experience in the training and supervision of student researchers at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Dr. Chief Mi’sel Joe
Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi – Conne River Mi’kmaq Tribal Nation

Dr. Chief Mi’sel Joe comes from a long line of saqamaws or chiefs in the Mi’kmaq territory. Chief Joe was educated in Mi’kmaq traditions. After having left the reserve as a young man, he returned in 1973 and became involved in band government politics, first as a councillor, then as a traditional saqamaw and the Newfoundland district chief for the Mi’kmaq Grand Council.

Mi’sel was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Memorial University of Newfoundland & Labrador in 2004, in recognition of Mi’sel’s contribution to the economic, social and political development of the Mi’kmaq people of Newfoundland & Labrador.

He is a member of the Atlantic Policy Congress, the First Nations Trust Fund, Newfoundland Museum Advisory Committee, Ulnooweg Development Group Ltd and the Aboriginal Capacity and Development Research Centre. He also holds a community seat at the United Nations (Human Rights).

Dr. Michael Bradfield

Michael Bradfield taught Economics for 39 years at Dalhousie, retiring in 2007.

His specialty is Regional Economics, but his research interests and publications cover many applications of economics, particularly the impacts of market imperfections on regional development and on market performance generally, and macroeconomic policy.

Michael has worked with civil society groups involved in social justice, the environment (natural and built) and prepared briefs for them to municipal, provincial, and federal committees and Royal Commissions. In addition, he has been an invited witness to committees of both the House of Commons and the Senate, on finance and technological change, respectively.  During the summer of 2014, he served on the panel reviewing the implications of hydraulic fracturing for Nova Scotia.

Corridor Resources, who wants to drill a first exploratory well on the Newfoundland side of the Old Harry site, has once again been severely criticized, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and by Environment Canada (EC).

Since it submitted its drilling project in Feb. 2011, Corridor Resources is in the process of conducting an environmental assessment. As part of this environmental assessment, the Canada-Newfoundland & Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) is requiring that Corridor presents a simulation of an oil spill occuring at Old Harry.

The goal of this modelling is to predict which sectors of the Gulf could be impacted in the event of a major spill, so it is a very important step that should not be taken lightly.

In Dec. 2011, Corridor Resources presented the results of its spill simulation and, lo and behold, the resulting oil slick was predicted to attain only a few kms of diameter and it would evaporate almost instantaneously! This report was then reviewed in March 2012 by EC and by DFO who both concluded the spill simulation was deeply flawed and asked Corridor Resources to go back to the drawing board.

One of the main problems was that Corridor Resources used a very light Cohasset type oil in its modelling, while they should use a much heavier oil to stay on the conservative side.

In early 2012, EC once again asked Corridor Resources to correct the problems identified with its simulation.

In a letter to the C-NLOPB dated April 13 2013, Corridor Resources stated “We do not believe that additional work is warranted on this issue.” Then, in early April 2013, Corridor submitted a revised environmental assessment, but with the same flawed spill simulation results.

On August 19 2013, the C-NLOPB released consolidated comments from DFO and EC on the revised environmental assessment and once again both departments very strongly criticized Corridor’s spill simulation.

According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada: – Corridor and its consultant (SL Ross) have not taken into consideration the daily tides in their simulation ; – Corridor has not taken into consideration the deep layer currents that could carry the spilled oil far inside the Gulf ; – Corridor has employed unrealistic current data : average monthly currents (very weak) instead of instantaneous daily currents (much stronger) ; – Corridor and its consultant have not taken into consideration the experience gained in the Gulf of Mexico ; – The simulation has used a succession of 6-hour long spills without considering the cumulative impact of all these small spills ; – The mathematical model used is validated only for shallow sectors, certainly not the case at Old Harry (470 meters) ;

– This overly optimistic simulation could lead officials to underestimate the risks and be inadequately prepared in case of a spill.

This was a terrible headline, but we are at the ready to throw a wrench into these plans! Our press release calling for no more license extensions in the Gulf was out the exact same day! Here’s the full story …

The Canadian Press

Covered by: iPolitics, The Globe and Mail
October 14, 2014

Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Ottawa and Quebec are both expected to table legislation by the end of the year to jointly manage the petroleum resources in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Harper made the announcement in Sept-Iles on Tuesday along with Denis Lebel, the federal cabinet minister responsible for Quebec’s economic development.

“The accord will enable the safe and environmentally responsible development of petroleum resources in the region, help create hundreds of jobs and generate revenues and economic growth for Quebec and Canada,” Harper said.

Also in attendance was Quebec’s junior transport minister, Jean D’Amour.

Harper said Ottawa and Quebec are well-positioned to table the legislative framework to implement an accord that was signed in 2011.

Ottawa estimates that the Gulf of St. Lawrence and surrounding areas have the potential for 39 trillion cubic feet of gas and 1.5 billion barrels of oil.

Not everyone was as enthusiastic about the project as Harper.

The unseen legislation promised by both the federal and provincial governments drew an immediate backlash from groups opposed to oil and gas exploration in the area.

In July, First Nations leaders from Atlantic Canada called for a 12-year moratorium on all oil exploration in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

“It is high time that governments started supporting First Nations and coastal communities over corporate oil interests,” Mary Gorman of Save Seas and Shores said in a release Tuesday.

The group includes fishing, environmental, tourism and First Nations organizations with a common goal of stopping energy exploration in the Gulf. Their immediate target is Corridor Resources Ltd., which plans to drill at a site known as Old Harry off Newfoundland in the Gulf.

“We want Corridor, unelected petroleum boards and federal and provincial governments to know that oil drilling cannot co-exist in sensitive spawning, nursery and migratory waters in one of the most fragile ecosystems on earth,” Gorman said.

A Montreal-based group called Coalition Saint-Laurent also issued a release demanding a pause while the issue goes to a full public review.

“The Gulf of St. Lawrence is a unique ecosystem, very fragile, shared by five coastal provinces,” spokesman Sylvain Archambault said in a statement.

“Instead of paving the way for oil exploration, Quebec should take a leadership role in the Gulf and work with other coastal provinces in the establishment of a general moratorium on oil activities for the entire Gulf, as well as holding an extensive public review on the matter.”

Green party Leader Elizabeth May weighed in on Twitter, calling Harper’s announcement “really bad news for whales.”

The federal government reached similar deals with Newfoundland and Labrador in 1985 and Nova Scotia in 1986.

Offshore petroleum production in Canada accounts for 25 per cent of light crude output and one per cent of the country’s annual average natural gas output.

Newfoundland and Labrador received $8.4 billion in royalties from the region covered by the 1985 accord and Nova Scotia has benefited from $2 billion in the area cited in their deal.

Harper and Quebec announce oil development plans for Gulf of St. Lawrence

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-quebec-to-clear-path-for-gulf-of-st-lawrence-oil-production/article21086979/