No drilling until review is complete: Sierra Club Canada

Sierra Club Canada commends the decision of a Nunavut judge who granted an injunction against seismic testing in Lancaster Sound. At the very least, testing should not begin until unconventional oil development is reviewed as agreed upon in a unanimous House of Commons motion.

“We shoudn't have to rely on the courts to protect the environment. Our political leaders should be stepping up in the first place,” said John Bennett, Executive Director of Sierra Club Canada.

In June, Parliament passed a unanimous motion to review all forms of unconventional oil development including offshore drilling. While the federal government denies it plans to drill in Lancaster Sound, seismic testing would pave the way for oil exploration in the same region intended to become a national marine conservation area. The injunction against the testing was brought forward by several Baffin Island Inuit communities concerned with the effects of testing on traditional hunting practices.

“Seismic testing can have serious impacts on marine life, especially marine mammals,” said Mr. Bennett.

-30-

Contact:

Robb Barnes
Media Officer
Sierra Club Canada
613-241-4611 x 230