Oil spills can cause major and long-term impacts to marine life and coastal communities. Indigenous and coastal communities have raised concerns around oil spill risks. However, these communities also rely on critical shipments of heating oils and other products.
Through the Oceans Protection Plan, The Oil Tanker Moratorium Act was enacted in 2019. It complements a pre-existing voluntary Tanker Exclusion Zone and prohibits oil tankers carrying more than 12,500 metric tons of crude oil or persistent oil products from stopping, loading, or unloading at ports or marine installations in northern British Columbia. Any vessel carrying less than 12,500 is allowed to deliver critical shipments of heating oils and other products to communities and industries.
During the next phase of the Oceans Protection Plan (in 2024), the Act will undergo a five-year review of its impacts on the environment, on social and economic conditions, and on Indigenous Peoples.