Edmonton-Centre MP James Cumming has introduced a private member’s bill to repeal restrictions on oil shipments from the north coast of British Columbia. Bill C-229, An act to repeal certain restrictions on shipping, was tabled Oct. 28, taking direct aim at Bill C-48, the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, passed last year. Cumming acknowledged the bill has little chance of succeeding, but said it was important to send a message on behalf of the Alberta oil industry. Over concerns of severe environmental damage to B.C.’s coastline, a voluntary exclusion zone for oil tanker traffic has been in place along the north coast since the 1970s. Last year the Liberal government formalized the measure with the passing of Bill C-48, the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, which banned the transport of more than 12,500 metric tonnes of oil between the northern tip of Vancouver Island to the Alaska border. It is important to note that the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act includes a provision for review.
