Details

WHEREAS Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) development in northeastern BC and proposed pipelines, terminal facilities, and tanker transportation from the north coast will have large, cumulative environmental, social and economic impacts;

AND WHEREAS this development is happening across BC impacting the land and communities of northern BC both civic and First Nation, without the means of meaningful consultation and involvement;

AND WHEREAS comprehensive planning and cumulative impact assessment have been lacking to date:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA requests that the Province of BC and First Nations convene and co-chair a Strategic Economic and Environmental Impact Assessment of LNG development in British Columbia.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NCLGA requests that the Province and First Nations invite the Federal government to also participate in this joint planning process.

Additional Information

UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership endorsed resolution 2005-B36, which expressed concern about the impacts of increased economic activity on housing, medical services, recreation and other aspects of communities; and requested that the Oil and Gas Commission consult with local government “so that the level of increasing economic activity can be ascertained and considered with regard to future community and regional developments.”

In response to the resolution the provincial government indicated that the Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) would, upon request from a local government, provide information or reports, and attend municipal or regional district meetings. The Province also anticipated that planned structural changes and increased staffing in the Compliance and Enforcement Branch would result in better service to communities. The Province acknowledged that “communities’ information needs are different.”

As well, the provincial government clarified the roles of the OGC and the then Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (Ministry). According to the Province, the OGC is mandated to “regulate for the benefit of all, considering environmental, social and economic matters,” while the Ministry’s role is to “facilitate responsible development of the resource.”