FIN IN THE NEWS: Tankers are a threat to BC's coast

Mr. Fin Donnelly (New Westminster—Coquitlam, NDP): Mr. Speaker, for almost 40 years the B.C. coast has been oil tanker free. However, that is now threatened by the Enbridge pipeline proposal that promises to bring tar sand crude from Alberta to B.C.'s coast for export. All it would take is one accident to inflict serious damage on the coastal ecosystem and the economy. The risk is not worth it.

Will the government step away from this pipeline and reaffirm the moratorium on oil tanker traffic?

Hon. Jim Prentice (Minister of the Environment, CPC): Mr. Speaker, this is an important Canadian project. We have put in place a high calibre regulatory review that is commensurate with the importance of the project to ensure that the environment is protected.

I can advise my colleague that I, along with the chair of the National Energy Board, created a panel approximately a year ago that consists of three respected Canadians: Sheila Leggett, Hans Matthew, who is himself a member of a first nation, and Kenneth Bateman. Following public consultation, the terms of reference have been defined. They include consideration of all of the marine safety issues that the hon. member raises.

The government will continue to ensure a comprehensive regulatory review process.

Mr. Fin Donnelly (New Westminster—Coquitlam, NDP): Mr. Speaker, this week a number of first nations, businesses and community organizations from across British Columbia came out against this pipeline proposal and the tanker traffic it would bring along. Yet the government is still working hand in glove with Enbridge to push this pipeline through.

When asked, the people of British Columbia have said they do not want this pipeline. They do not want oil tankers off their coast.

Will the government stand with the people of British Columbia and say no to the Enbridge pipeline?

Hon. Jim Prentice (Minister of the Environment, CPC): Mr. Speaker, it seems a little early for my hon. colleague to have decided on the merits of the project given that no application has yet been filed. That is commensurate, I suppose, with that party's approach on matters like the budget.

We have appointed a review panel that consists of three of the most respected people in our country: Sheila Leggett, who is a sitting member of the National Energy Board and one of the most respected regulators in the country; Hans Matthew, a first nations citizen and an experienced geologist as I recall; and Kenneth Bateman, a lawyer and also an experienced member of the National Energy Board. They will do a fine job of ensuring a comprehensive environmental review.