Frequently Asked Questions

Environment

Q:   In 2001, Minister Neufeld established a scientific panel to advise the Government on matters related to offshore oil and gas.  Who was on the panel?

A:    The scientific panel was made up of three well-recognized scientists:

·        David Strong, panel chair, a professor in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria and former president of the university.

·        Derek Muggeridge, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology and Associate Vice-president of Research at Okanagan University College.

·        Patricia Gallaugher, Director of Continuing Studies in Science and Director of the Centre for Coastal Studies at Simon Fraser University.

Q:    What was the mandate of the panel?

A:    The panel was asked to comment on four areas:

·        the scientific and technological considerations relevant to offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production;

·        further research studies that should be undertaken to advance the “state of knowledge” on these considerations;

·        any specific Government actions that should be taken prior to a decision on whether to remove the current moratorium, and

·        any specific conditions or parameters that should be established as part of a Government decision to remove the moratorium.

Q:   Was this an independent panel?

A:   Yes. The Maritime Awards Society of Canada acted as secretariat to the Panel.  The Society is a charitable organization that funds scholarships for Canadian university graduate students in marine and coastal studies.  The Society delivers annual workshops, public conferences and other educational activities designed to raise awareness and enhance understanding of public policy issues related to the ocean in general and to Canada’s coastal waters.

Q:   What did the British Columbia Offshore Hydrocarbon Development - Report of  the Scientific Panel recommend regarding the moratorium on offshore oil and gas development?

A:   The Panel's report concluded that, “while there are certainly gaps in knowledge and a need for intensification of research and a continuing commitment to baseline and long-term monitoring, these do not preclude a decision on the moratorium.  There is no inherent or fundamental inadequacy of the science or technology, properly applied in an appropriate regulatory framework, to justify retention of the B.C. moratorium.”

Q:   Did the Panel make other recommendations to the Government?

A:   The Panel also made 15 specific recommendations on scientific and technological considerations, further research needed, specific government actions required and specific conditions that should be established as part of government's decision.  It further recommended establishing a joint federal-provincial regulatory and fiscal regime and actively engaging with British Columbians, coastal communities and First Nations.

Q:   When did the Government of British Columbia make this information public?

A:   The report was released on May 1, 2001, and is available on this web site.