Minister to attend oil spill control exercise in Norway

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne announced today that he will be attending an Oil Spill Control Exercise in Stavanger, Norway from October 10-13.

The exercise is part of a seminar sponsored by the Norwegian Oil Spill Control Association (NOSCA), which is a non-profit cooperative of companies, R and D institutions and government pollution control authorities established to develop equipment and contingency planning for oil spill emergencies.

Minister Osborne said he is looking forward to attending the exercise not only to learn about the kind of equipment used in Norway, but also to see how communities and other stakeholders are engaged in oil spill clean-ups.

�The protection of our oceans and coastlines from the effects of catastrophic oil spills is an issue that this government takes seriously,� said Minister Osborne. �While adequate equipment and trained personnel are key to addressing a spill, it is also through the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders and parties involved that we are better able to ensure the protection of our oceans. Traveling to Norway to witness an oil spill control exercise first hand will indeed help us to gain valuable knowledge that could benefit our province in an oil spill response situation.�

The minister will be accompanied to Norway by an official of his department, as well as a delegation of companies based in the province. Companies participating in the seminar include Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industries Association (NEIA), Hi Point Industries, Petro-Canada, Husky Oil, Chevron Canada Resources and Nord Marine Services.

�I am very pleased to see the local industry taking such an interest in oil spill matters and hope that any lessons learned during their trip to Norway can be applied to our local situation if needed,� added Minister Osborne.

The minister noted that officials from the Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada will also be attending the Oil Spill Control Exercise.

Media contact: Tina Coffey, Communications, (709) 729-5783, 728-8650
 
2005 10 07                          10:05 a.m.