This is the perfect time for the Provincial Government to halt further oil and gas development on the North Coast, and phase out the one operating project.

Such a bold move will demonstrate strong leadership, responsiveness and consistency with 2007 Throne Speech commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will also provide the political space for the federal government to follow suite.

Specifically, the BC Cabinet should enact a regulation under an existing statute, such as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Act, prohibiting new oil and gas projects such as exploration, drilling and tanker terminals in BC waters.