Critics worry Georges Bank exploration ban could be overturned

A law calling for a permanent ban on oil and gas exploration on a sensitive marine environment is being applauded in most sectors.

However, there are some who are worried about suggestions the ban could be revoked by a public meeting and a vote in the legislature.

The provincial government says Georges Bank is a special place that needs special protection and that’s why they are extending a moratorium on gas and oil exploration.

But Liberal MLA Andrew Younger is pointing to an inconsistency.

“When the NDP government brought in a uranium mining ban last year they were very clear that just extending a moratorium was not enough protection, that they had to have a full ban,” he said. “In this case they’ve said a moratorium extension is enough.”

Fish company owner Claude d’Entremont calls it a good move, even with the possibility it could be lifted by a majority government.

“The value of the fishery on Georges Bank is great. There’s a couple of hundred million dollars worth of product coming there creating huge amounts of jobs,” he said. “Our company alone hires up to 100 people and most of our fish is from Georges Bank.”

The first moratorium on gas and oil exploration on the offshore area went into effect in 1988.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today