Premier Pat Binns today announced that Islanders will be given the opportunity to participate in discussions concerning the potential impacts of offshore oil and gas exploration activities in the Northumberland Strait, between PEI and Cape Breton.
Dr. Teresa MacNeil, Commissioner of the Public Review Process of Oil and Gas Exploration Activities Offshore Cape Breton, has been holding public hearings within Nova Scotia, allowing concerned citizens to participate in discussions as to the effects of offshore activities. Although the exploration activities are proposed to take place in Nova Scotia waters, Dr. MacNeil has agreed to conduct a similar hearing in Prince Edward Island.
The public meeting will take place on Saturday, September 29, at the Empress Room of the Rodd Marina Inn in Montague, beginning at 1 pm.
"We are very pleased that Dr. MacNeil will bring the public review process to Islanders," stated the Premier. "Fishers from Prince Edward Island have fished the waters between PEI and Cape Breton for many years, and they should have the opportunity to receive information and raise their concerns, if any, over the possible impact that exploration and drilling activities will have on their livelihood."
As commissioner of the Public Review Commission, Dr. MacNeil, a retired professor from St. Francis Xavier University, will provide a summary of her findings from the public hearings to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board.