For Immediate Release
December 5, 2023
The Council of Canadians welcomes veto, renews its call for an offshore moratorium
Mi’kma’ki / Nova Scotia – The Council of Canadians applauds the recent move by the governments of Nova Scotia and Canada to reject an offshore oil and gas exploration license. After years of undue corporate influence in the sector’s regulatory process, this decision leaves no remaining offshore bids or leases in the province—creating an opportune moment for a moratorium on all offshore drilling and exploration.
“This is really good news,” said Marion Moore, Council of Canadians South Shore chapter member and resident of Lunenburg. “While global climate leaders have been calling for an end to fossil fuel exploration and extraction for years, this move shows that Canadian governments are finally hearing that message.”
As part of the Nova Scotia Offshore Alliance, the Council of Canadians has been campaigning for a moratorium on offshore drilling and exploration in Nova Scotia since 2016.
“This is a testament to the collective efforts of thousands of people across Canada who have been working to stop fossil fuel expansion and get meaningful climate action,” said Council of Canadians co-executive director Robin Tress. “We are heartened to see our governments making decisions based on climate science and acting in the public good, despite the intense pressure from fossil fuel corporations.”
Yesterday’s decision vetoes the recent move by the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) to award rights for a parcel of seabed in shallow water near Sable Island to Inceptio Ltd. The veto comes after years of efforts by the CNSOPB to “de-risk” offshore exploration through extensive mapping and seismic testing projects, even as global oil giants like BP and Equinor have lost interest in Nova Scotia’s offshore.
The Council of Canadians commends the decision to veto the CNSOPB’s decision, and we call on both levels of government to recognize that now is the time for a total moratorium on offshore drilling and exploration.
“There is no future in Nova Scotia’s offshore, and we have spent enough time and effort on supporting this sunsetting industry. We urge both ministers and the CNSOPB to redirect all attention and resources towards decarbonization and responsible renewable energy development instead,” says Tress.
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