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Oil and gas science review too rushed to be credibleSeptember 23, 2003 - VANCOUVER – Giving scientists and academics only 10 days to prepare briefs for a scientific review of lifting a moratorium on offshore oil and gas development off British Columbia is grossly inadequate and calls into question the entire review process, the David Suzuki Foundation said today. The Royal Society of Canada is conducting scientific workshops in October on behalf of the federal government and today issued terms of reference and a meeting schedule. The process includes two three-day sessions in Vancouver and one day in Prince Rupert. Those who want to participate must submit a brief by October 3rd. "We have serious reservations about the way the entire process is being conducted, but our first concern is the lack of time the scientific community has been given to respond to today’s invitation," said Otto Langer, director of the Foundation’s marine conservation program. "Ten days preparation is completely inadequate for examining such a complex and important issue, especially when most of those who want to participate are university professors and scientists who work for government, industry and conservation groups. To ask these people for such a quick turn-around is completely unrealistic if the results of this review are to be meaningful," he added. The Suzuki Foundation has been asked to appear before the science panel, but Mr. Langer says the schedule is extremely rushed. Also of concern is the fact that First Nations wanted to have a representative on the review panel, but the government refused. Information about the science review panel can be found at http://www.rsc.ca/BC_offshore/indexEN.html/. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Otto Langer or
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