@CFNGBI Coastal First Nations React to Transport Canada’s announcement on world class tanker safety #cdnpoli pic.twitter/hevhwsGJli Coastal First Nations React to Transport Canada’s announcement on world class tanker safety Today’s announcement ignores recent recommendations of the government’s own tanker safety expert panel. (Vancouver, May 13, 2014) – The Coastal First Nations are dismayed and disappointed with Transport Canada’s announcement claiming to strengthen its already “robust” tanker safety system, including its failure to require unlimited liability for oil tanker companies in the event of a major oil spill. “If the announcement was meant to demonstrate to BC that they are committed to meeting its five conditions, then they have a lot more work to do,” said Art Sterritt, Executive Director of the Coastal First Nations. “It’s clear the government is continuing to manage risk at our expense and without our involvement or agreement.” The Coastal First Nations are also concerned by the government’s lack of planning on the North Coast of BC. Four areas in Canada have been identified for establishing area response planning. Only southern BC has been identified. The other three areas are in Eastern Canada.“For them not to establish area response planning in the North is astonishing. It’s clear that they are not taking our concerns seriously,” said Sterritt. Sterritt says the announcement also proves that Transport Canada does not know how to deal with an oil spill of diluted bitumen. “They acknowledge it is different than conventional oil. They acknowledge they need to learn more about how to clean up a bitumen spill, and yet they seem to be pushing ahead with pipelines regardless. This is risky, not risk averse.” Taxpayers will be on the hook for compensation should an oil spill occur, Sterritt said. “The current $1.36 billion won’t cover the costs of a significant oil spill. The announcement states Canada will ensure compensation is provided to eligible claimants.” Costs related to damage caused by a major oil spill in the Great Bear Sea could reach as high as $23 billion, Sterritt said. “Oil tankers in the Great Bear Sea are a threat to our culture and a steadily improving coastal economy. The Coastal First Nations, along with our allies, will continue to take any actions that are necessary to stop oil tankers from traversing the Great Bear Sea.” The Coastal First Nations are an alliance of First Nations that includes the Wuikinuxv Nation, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xaixais, Nuxalk, Gitga’at, Haisla, Metlakatla, Old Massett, Skidegate, and Council of the Haida Nation working together to create a sustainable economy on British Columbia’s North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii. ‐30‐ Art Sterritt Executive Director, Coastal First Nations 604-696-9889 or 604-868-9110
Posted on: Tue, 13 May 2014 21:46:52 +0000
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