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Canada must lead by example in ANWR debateMarch 7, 2005 - VANCOUVER – In his meetings this week with President Bush to express Canada’s opposition to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR), Prime Minister Martin should lead by example and promise to maintain the ban on oil drilling off the B.C. coast, says the David Suzuki Foundation. “The prime minister has recognized that oil drilling in the ANWR violates international treaties, is short-sighted and potentially devastating,” says Jay Ritchlin, marine conservation specialist for the David Suzuki Foundation. “Clearly, it would be hypocritical to lift the oil and gas moratorium here in B.C. while criticizing the ANWR drilling next door.” Paul Martin’s meetings this week with Bush come only days after his government met with B.C. provincial politicians to discuss lifting the long standing moratorium on oil exploration and drilling off the B.C. coast. The Queen Charlotte Basin, currently being considered for oil exploration, is acknowledged to have some of the richest marine life in the world. Ironically, it is home to critical feeding grounds for humpback whale populations – the same populations that are being actively protected by U.S. environmental safeguards in Hawaii. B.C.’s coast supports the only living glass sponge reefs on Earth, proposed by UNESCO for protection as a World Heritage Site. The Scott Islands, also targeted for oil exploration, are a globally significant sea bird habitat and, not unlike the ANWR, have protected status. “Drilling in the ANWR sets a dangerous precedent for lifting other coastal oil drilling moratoria – which has a direct impact on Canadian marine life.” says Ritchlin. “So while Paul Martin should be commended for his criticism of the ANWR decision – he must set a strong example by protecting B.C.’s coast from a similar mistake.” For more information, contact:
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