B.C. government keeps wraps on offshore report

Gary Park

The British Columbia government has angered opponents of offshore oil and gas exploration by refusing to disclose the findings of a scientific panel until politicians have decided what to do about the issue.

The panel, appointed last October to consider whether offshore development could occur in a way that is scientifically sound and environmentally responsible, delivered its findings to Energy Minister Richard Neufeld in January.

Environmental groups had understood that the report would be immediately made public.

But now Neufeld and Premier Gordon Campbell are “backtracking on a promise” to seek public comment on the scientists’ report before deciding whether they favor lifting 30-year bans on exploration, said David Cadman, president of Vancouver-based Society Promoting Environmental Conservation.

Neufeld insists that it was never his intention to release the report before the government caucus had “sufficient time ... to talk about what we wanted to do about offshore oil and gas.”

In addition to the scientific panel, members of the provincial legislature from northern British Columbia have submitted a separate report to Neufeld based on a series of public meetings. That report is also under wraps.

Living Oceans Society executive director Jennifer Lash said the government, rather than giving the public a chance to make an informed decision, has decided to maintain secrecy while it comes to its own conclusions.