For Immediate Release

OTTAWA, ON – Joyce Murray, Liberal Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra, made the following statement today upon the introduction of Bill C-437, which will exclude oil super tankers from the inland waters of Canada’s Pacific North Coast known as Queen Charlotte Sound, Hecate Straight, and Dixon Entrance.

“The Federal Liberals’ long-standing dedication to protecting the environment led us to take measures to exclude oil tanker traffic through this area since 1972. Canada has the longest coastline in the world, and our quality of life is closely connected to our oceans. Disasters like that of the Exxon Valdez and the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico are grim reminders that we must always be vigilant against the risk of a major oil spill. The Conservative government’s weakening of environmental protection, over-riding of Canada’s environmental assessment processes, and inadequate consultation with First Nations and British Columbians make it imperative that I reinforce the Liberals long-standing commitment to protecting the Pacific North Coast.

Liberals support the sustainable development of our natural resources. Our commitment to sustainability, to protecting land and coast line, and to an effective and respectful partnership with First Nations people is something we take very seriously.

I join the majority of British Columbians who believe that transporting oil by supertankers in certain turbulent and hazardous inland coastal waters poses an unacceptable risk to the marine environment, to the communities and businesses that depend on that environment, and to all Canadians who share the common heritage of our oceans.” 

For more information about Bill C-437, please click here.

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For more information contact:

Jeff Guignard
Office of Joyce Murray
613-992-2430
613-793-6318