Frequently Asked Questions

Regulatory Regime

Q:   In British Columbia, what is the current state of the offshore oil and gas activity?

A:   Since 1972, there has been no private sector sea floor offshore oil and gas exploration occurring on the West Coast of British Columbia.

Q:   Why is there no exploration?

A:   Since 1972, there has been a Federal Government moratorium on exploratory drilling in the area covering Valdez, Alaska through Dixon Entrance, Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound.

In 1989, following the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska and a smaller leak from a barge off Washington State, British Columbia announced that no offshore drilling would take place in these areas for a minimum of five years.  This ban was subsequently extended indefinitely.

Q:   Is the Government going to lift the moratorium on offshore oil and gas activity?

A:   The Government has established the British Columbia Offshore Oil and Gas Team to enable development to occur.  We will be assessing and making available information on issues associated with offshore oil and gas.  We will be working with First Nations and community representatives to obtain their definition of successful offshore oil and gas development.

Q:   What challenges must be addressed?

A:   The challenges are substantial.  There are environmental, social, cultural and regulatory issues that must be resolved before development may occur and First Nations interests must be addressed.  One of the items the British Columbia Offshore Oil and Gas Team will be addressing early in its mandate is knowledge—what we know, what we need to know and how best to acquire that knowledge.