Statement on the Province of British Columbia’s “Phase 2” Spill Response Regulatory Announcement

For Immediate Release

Jan. 31, 2018

VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is concerned that the announcement by the B.C. government of a further regulatory process around spill response may send a chilling signal about British Columbia’s openness for business, attractiveness for foreign investment, and predictability or reliability of our environmental regulatory system. The announcement puts potential new energy investments in British Columbia at greater risk and raises the potential for capital flight – and related job losses – from B.C. in energy and resources.

Iain Black, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade said, “The Board of Trade supports a regime that protects the environment while facilitating the continuing movement of western Canada’s energy products to markets.”  He continued, “The new proposed spill response regulatory regime could damage the sectors that enhance merchandise exports and underpin our strong provincial economy. It could in addition irreparably harm our reputation as Canada’s Pacific Gateway.”

The Board of Trade is concerned that B.C.’s attempt to exert jurisdiction over coastal waterways may infringe on federal jurisdiction over navigable waterways and the coastal marine environment.  The proposed regulatory regime appears to be an unnecessary intrusion into federal jurisdiction over Canada’s coasts. The federal government’s Oceans Protection Plan, unveiled in 2016, is intended to minimise risks to Canada’s coasts while at the same time allowing for the responsible development and export of Canada’s natural resources.

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade advocates for a resilient, diverse regional and provincial economy that creates jobs and supports the wellbeing of citizens.  We stand ready to work with all levels of government to foster an open economy that facilitates the sustainable development of our natural resources and maximises our regional advantages as Canada’s Pacific Gateway.