The Liberal National Convention was met with protests today in Halifax.
People opposed to BP’s plan to drill off the coast of Nova Scotia gathered outside the Halifax Convention Centre to voice their concerns.
John Davis, Shelburne resident and director of the Clean Ocean Action Committee spoke at the protest.
He’s concerned ties between government and offshore oil are too tight.
He cites government’s bill C-69 as an example.
“Which will give members of the unelected petroleum board, who are ex-oil industry executives and their cohorts, an opportunity to make decisions about environmental assessments.”
Davis calls the move “ludicrous and abhorrent.”
He also called out the Liberal Party for breaking an election promise.
“They said that while governments grant permits for resource development, only communities can grant permission and we didn’t get a chance to comment.”
Davis was among several South Shore people in attendance, many shouting chants or singing songs, including “Where’s Catherine McKenna?” – with the goal of getting the attention of the federal environment minister.
The protesters also included First Nations members.
Advocates along the South Shore have been vocal about their concerns of drilling on the Scotian Shelf.
Since learning a BP contracted deepwater drilling rig has been approved to move into provincial waters, they’ve held two protests in Halifax.
The MP for South Shore – St. Margaret’s says she’s listening to the local concerns on offshore drilling.
Bernadette Jordan is attending the Liberal National Convention this weekend.
She says she’s been trying to get some answers on the behalf of locals.
“They’re asking questions about things like capping stacks and the (Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board) process so I am trying to get some answers and I am listening to what they have to say.”
Jordan says Ottawa is listening but there is a process that needs to be followed.
She says approval has not yet been given to drill and Ottawa is aware of the concerns.
“I will make sure they have to meet every requirement before anything is allowed to start out there, if it does at all, right now they have not been given approval to drill.”
Jordan says she did go out to meet with the protesters but missed them.
The convention continues throughout the weekend.
Photos and story by Brittany Wentzell
@BrittWentzell
