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News
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Need for greater openness on oil spill data: Opposition Minister should state government position August 13, 2005
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Percy Barrett, Opposition Critic for Environment and Conservation and MHA
for the District of Bellevue, says the inability of a York University
researcher to access information related to oil spills off the coast of this
province further emphasizes the need for greater openness and accountability
in the sector. "When a serious spill took place at the Terra Nova FPSO last November, I called on government to be more accountable in releasing reports to the public," said Barrett. "The public has a right to access this information and be confident that proper procedures are being followed. It is certainly in the public interest to have an open and transparent monitoring process in place. The difficulty this independent researcher has had really emphasizes the need for change. "Since that spill, I have been lobbying government and the Minister of Environment and Conservation to place independent monitors on all offshore production and exploration platforms. The marine environment off our shores is home to fishing grounds, seabirds and other marine life that should be protected to the best of our abilities." Barrett says he would like to know were the provincial Minister of Environment and Conservation, Tom Osborne, stands on this issue. "It is time for the Minister to stop hiding behind officials and state a position on this issue. Although the CNLOPB is responsible for administering the regulations, it is government that must show leadership to ensure greater accountability and preservation of the environment. The Minister should let the people of this province know if he is in favour of the information being made public and explain what actions he has taken to initiate change. I would like to know when information will become available and when legislation will be brought forward if necessary." Earlier this week, it was reported in the media that Gail Fraser, an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at York University, was having trouble getting information related to oil spills off the coast of this province.
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