Government’s amendment of Oil Spill Task Force motion dilutes its intent

Opposition Leader and MHA for the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, Yvonne Jones, says government’s amendment of her Private Members Motion calling for an  Oil Spill Task Force dilutes the motion’s goal which is to ensure a comprehensive review and an ongoing monitoring of risks and best responses to oil spills off our shores.  

In light of the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill, Jones presented the resolution in the Legislature as a means to enhance the current and ongoing processes to prevent, prepare for and respond to oil spills.  Government amended the motion to reflect their appointment today of an independent review of our province’s ability to prevent and manage oil spills.

“While an independent review is welcomed news, the proposed Task Force would be a notch up by ensuring there is a more comprehensive and ongoing review of  offshore environmental procedures,” says Jones. “The review is merely a snap-shot in time and limited to the analysis of one person, whereas the Task Force would encompass the views of many experts and would have a continuing focus on fostering best regulatory and technological practices, sharing information and coordinating policies and programs to prepare for and prevent the risk of marine oil spills in the 21st Century.”

The Opposition Leader points out that an Oil Spill Task Force has been forged between British Columbia and the Pacific States, despite a moratorium of drilling on the West Coast. “The Gulf oil spill has heightened the awareness to ensure optimal contingency plans to deal with oil spills are in place and that these plans are viewed on a regular basis.”      

Jones says while she does not question the stellar qualification of the Chair of the independent review, Captain Mark Turner, she shares concerns with other industry watchers that with his background, he may have an industry developmental bias and that this may prejudice  the outcome of the report.

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