Minister Noel says prevention of domestic oil spills major focus of meetings

Walter Noel, Minister of Government Services and Lands, said today that he intends to meet with consumers, the fuel service industry, and the insurance industry to ensure that all parties are taking increased action to ensure prevention of domestic fuel spills.

Minister Noel said: "Every person who owns, maintains, or insures a tank must be aware of their responsibilities. If there are things that we can do to improve the prevention of oil spills, I want to make sure that those things are done."

Minister Noel met yesterday with Don Forgeron, Atlantic vice-president of the Insurance Bureau Canada to discuss this matter. Minister Noel and Mr. Forgeron discussed measures surrounding prevention. Mr. Forgeron noted that the IBC has just recently released a brochure on this matter and Mr. Noel indicated that the Government Services Branch of his department has also just produced a new brochure.

Minister Noel agreed that education is part of the solution but indicated that a more aggressive approach on several fronts is required to ensure deliberate actions are taken by all to lessen spills.

Mr. Noel said: "Domestic oil spills cost consumers millions of dollars each year. Prevention is the most significant issue and one which needs to be diligently addressed by us all."

Both of the new brochures will be distributed to owners of domestic tanks. 

Download the  brochure. (Adobe PDF format)

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2001 03 13                                                     5:20 p.m.