Minister of Energy and Mines, Richard Neufeld can't wait for the process recommended by John Backhouse. Neufeld wants to rush to a conclusion on offshore drilling in BC. That's the same government that rushed and accidentally eliminated funding for food banks (now reinstated for six months). That's the same government that rushed and accidentally fired the president of ICBC (sorry Thom, now reinstated). Perhaps the government in a rush should concentrate on avoiding accidents. Apart from concerns about the environment, both the first nations and the federal government have to agree and neither is in a rush.

After the world's largest offshore oil platform sank on March 19, 2001, CNN compiled a list of oil industry accidents. As Premier-elect Campbell considers lifting the offshore moratorium in B.C., he ought to review some of these disasters and think about what the impact would be on our tourism and fisheries.

Other resources:
Oil spills for kids (National Ocean Service - U.S. Dept of Commerce)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Oil Spill Program
Oil Spill Intelligence Report (serving an industry based on spills)
B.C.'s Northern Development Commission: Offshore Oil and Gas
Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Hecate Strait
Recent Earthquakes in the Queen Charlotte Islands
Geological Survey on Earthquakes in the Charlottes
UNBC Oil & Gas Repository