Office of the Official Opposition
For Immediate Release

St. John's, NL (August 13, 2020) – PC Leader and MHA for Windsor Lake, Ches Crosbie, is blaming BP Canada’s decision to delay offshore exploration on the lack of support for the industry from the Liberal Federal Government.

“Last week, BP Canada confirmed that they are delaying exploration on the Ephesus well until 2022. This will mean a delay in opening a Newfoundland and Labrador office and a delay in hiring Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Every delay in production results in negative consequences for the supply and service industry and workers that support exploration programs,” noted Crosbie.

Crosbie argued that had the Federal Liberal Government supported our offshore industry, things may have been different.

“I warned the Prime Minister months ago that a failure to support our offshore industry would be a failure to support Newfoundland and Labrador. We now have a situation where exploration has been delayed. I have to wonder, if Liberal Minister O’Regan was effective and delivered exploration incentives, would the situation be different? Would Newfoundlanders and Labradorians be working on the drill rigs?” asked Crosbie.

“The offshore oil industry has been adamant that they need incentives. Exploration incentives would ensure that our offshore arena remains globally competitive. It is the Liberals duty to help promote our industry, in failing to do this, they have failed all of us,” concluded Crosbie.
 

Contacts:

Denise Tubrett

Chief of Staff

(p) 1.709.729.6105

(c) 1.709.725.2594

DeniseTubrett@gov.nl.ca

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