The Oil Tanker Moratorium Act (Bill C-48) prohibits oil tankers carrying large amounts of crude or persistent oil from stopping or unloading at ports and marine sites along British Columbia's north coast. This area stretches from the northern tip of Vancouver Island up to the Alaskan border. The Act also stops vessels from moving oil between oil tankers and these ports to get around the rules.
The Act says that oil tankers carrying more than 12,500 metric tons of crude or persistent oil cannot moor, anchor, or unload oil at ports or marine sites in the specified area. Loading oil is also not allowed if it would cause the tanker to exceed this limit. The Act also creates rules for how this will be managed and enforced. This includes needing to share information and follow directions. If these rules are broken, there could be penalties up to $5 million.
The Minister of Transport can make exceptions for oil tankers in certain situations, like when it's needed to resupply a community or industry, or if it's in the public's best interest. The Act also respects the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada, as protected by the Constitution. The Minister must think about any negative effects their decisions could have on these rights. A review of the Act must be done five years after it starts, looking at its impact on the environment, society, the economy, and Indigenous communities.
Environmental Protection
The Oil Tanker Moratorium Act aims to protect British Columbia's north coast from potential oil spills. It does this by stopping large oil tankers from mooring, anchoring, or unloading crude or persistent oil in the area. This law also prohibits moving oil between tankers and ports to get around the rules. The goal is to lower the risk of oil spills and protect the environment.
Energy
This Act focuses on regulating the transportation of crude oil and persistent oil by tankers. It places a moratorium on oil tanker traffic carrying over 12,500 metric tons of oil in a specific region of British Columbia's northern coast. The Act impacts how oil can be transported to and from ports and marine sites in that area.
Crime
The Act creates offences for breaking the rules, like not reporting information, obstructing a designated person, or moving a vessel under detention. It outlines fines and imprisonment as possible punishments. The Act also explains how to handle legal cases against vessels and the responsibilities of owners and operators.
Defense
This Act does not apply to vessels under the direction or control of the Minister of National Defence.