Frequently Asked Questions
Background
Q: Why is the Government of British Columbia talking about offshore oil and gas now?
A: Discussions about offshore oil and gas potential in British Columbia actually go back to the late 1940s, with some exploration and drilling undertaken between 1963 and 1972.
In the late 1990s, the Geological Society of Canada significantly increased its estimates of offshore oil and gas resources. The last decade has seen a notable rise in the price of natural gas, making the prospect of offshore development more attractive to investors.
In November 2002, the Government made a commitment in its energy policy ("Energy for our Future: A Plan for BC") to address scientifically sound and environmentally responsible offshore oil and gas development.
The February 11, 2003 Throne Speech outlined the Government's direction, stating "by 2010, your Government wants to have an offshore oil and gas industry that is up and running, environmentally sound and booming with job creation."
Q: Why did Government choose 2010?
A: Government needed to establish a target for this initiative and 2010 gives us seven years to carefully examine the offshore in a realistic and comprehensive manner. We know we have a great deal of work ahead of us but we believe that the necessary work will be accomplished in the time available.
Q: How does offshore oil and gas fit with British Columbia's energy policy?
A: In November 2002, the Province released "Energy for Our Future: A Plan for BC." Developing a provincial position on offshore oil and gas is one aspect of that plan.
Within the context of a scientifically sound and environmentally responsible industry, we believe there are opportunities for new investment, increased trade and regional economic growth.
Q: What has the Government done since November to move its agenda forward?
A: In January 2003, the British Columbia Government established the British Columbia Offshore Oil and Gas Team. The Team was created to lead the Government initiative outlined in the Speech from the Throne. It was established to enable offshore oil and gas development to occur in British Columbia in a scientifically sound and environmentally responsible manner. The Project Plan outlines the team's approach to this leadership role.
Q: How will the public and other interested parties be kept informed of the Team's initiatives?
A: One of the team's priorities is communication and information access. The Government is committed to a transparent, accountable and accessible process. The Team has developed this Web site and is working to identify alternate ways to communicate information in a non-electronic format.
Q: In 2001, the Government of British Columbia appointed a caucus subcommittee to look into offshore oil and gas. What was the task force supposed to do?
A: The mandate of the Offshore Oil and Gas Task Force was to solicit the viewpoints of individuals and groups most affected by potential changes to the provincial moratorium on offshore drilling.
Q: Who was on the Offshore Oil and Gas Task Force?
A: The task force consisted of six MLAs:
- Bill Belsey, MLA, North Coast
- Blair Lekstrom, MLA, Peace River South
- Dennis MacKay, MLA, Bulkley Valley-Stikine
- Lorne Mayencourt, MLA, Vancouver-Burrard
- Rod Visser, MLA, North Island
- Dr. John Wilson, MLA Cariboo North
Q: How did the Task Force collect its information?
A: Over a period of two months—November through December 2001—the Task Force traveled to nine coastal and northern communities to listen to the views of residents, communities and First Nations. In that time, the Task Force heard from over 200 individuals and groups and received some 130 written submissions.
Q: What areas of common concern or interest did the Task Force discover?
A: Based on the input it received, the Task Force identified four themes: environment, First Nations, regional economic issues and social impact.
Q: Did the Report of the Offshore Oil and Gas Task Force identify specific initiatives for Government?
A: The mandate of the task force was to collect and report on public response to potential offshore oil and gas development.
The Report of the task force outlined the public's response and identified six issues that local communities and First Nations believe should be addressed:
- ownership of offshore resources;
- size of offshore oil and gas reserves;
- First Nations involvement;
- balance offshore development with risk to the environment;
- impact on existing marine industries; and
- economic and social benefits and costs.
Q: When did the Government make the report public?
A: The report was made public on May 1, 2001, and is available on this web site.
Q: The Throne Speech said by 2010 British Columbia will be booming with jobs in the offshore oil and gas industry - what does that mean?
A: That means that British Columbia will be in a position to benefit from a wide range of job opportunities, investments and fiscal advantages resulting from environmentally sound offshore development.
