NSNDP

April 23rd, 2018

Statement from NDP Natural Resources spokesperson on approval of BP drilling

HALIFAX-NDP spokesperson for Natural Resources Lisa Roberts made the following statement in response to BP being granted approval to drill off Nova Scotia’s coast:

“We still have significant concerns about BP’s plans to drill an ultra-deep exploration well off the coast of Nova Scotia, especially given the concerns raised by fishers about risks to our environment and fisheries.

The Liberal government should be working to ensure that the risk to our province’s fisheries is mitigated, including by requiring a capping stack be on site within hours, not days, in the event of a blowout.

The fishing industry is worth $1.8 billion annually in exports. We must make sure that indigenous and coastal communities, the tourism sector, and fishers are heard when approving drilling off our coasts.”

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