Independent MLAs Call for Release of Report on Health Risks in North East
Wednesday, May 9, 2012 @ 3:59 AM
Prince George, B.C.- Cariboo North MLA Bob Simpson, and Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington, (both independents) are calling on the Provincial Government to release the health and safety report on oil and gas development in Northeastern B.C.
“The Minister of Health received the public engagement report on March 31. It’s been over a month now, and we would like to see what health and safety concerns were identified,” says Huntington. “While the government has the document, it shouldn’t be withheld from people directly impacted by natural gas fracking. They deserve to hear about the health and safety concerns affecting their families and communities.”
Hydraulic fracturing (or “fracking”) technology is a controversial process linked to man-made earthquakes, significant water usage, and incidents of environmental contamination and poisonous sour gas leaks.
In Question Period Tuesday, Huntington called on the government to release the report, noting groups including the Northern Health Authority, the Peace River Regional District, various First Nations, the BC Grain Producers Association, and the Peace Environment and Safety Trustees Society have all “demanded action.” In February 2011, citizens, labour, health groups, and other organizations called for a public inquiry into whether the current regulation of oil and gas adequately protects public health.
"The Premier promised this project to people over a year ago," said Bob Simpson, MLA for Cariboo North. "The report represents the first stage of the process, and it’s been sitting on the Minister’s desk for over a month. People in the Peace want to know when it will be released and when the next phase will begin."
Both Independent MLAs believe phase two of the study needs to begin immediately.
Comments
I was actually quite impressed with the recent review into Oil and Gas operations done by these two independent MLAs.
On one hand it is astonishing that they could see what is happening whereas the local MLAs and ministers which are supposed to oversee this industry do not see what is going wrong. On the other hand it is no surprise that the appearances of endless energy industry money is king to all else.
The oil and gas commision is nothing more than a industry lead rubber stamping department that answers to no one other than the industry they are supposed to regulate. The provincial ministries which are supposed to give the OGC the directions as to how and what is regulated have their heads in the sand and they are told to keep them there.
Just wait until the pipelines are built that allow full exploitation of the gas and oil reserves…which in relatively short order will be gone. Then just imagine that as these energy companies inform us that since we are now connected to the higher priced world markets that they will charge us several times more for our gas. Then see what this industry did for us and what it actually contributed to the BC economy.
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