Use Summit to Fortify Canadian Opposition to Arctic Refuge Oil Development Turner Urges Ottawa

“With 34 heads of government in Quebec City and with continental energy issues certain to be discussed, I can’t imagine a better opportunity for our Government to step forward publicly and make clear its firm opposition to any future exploration, drilling or production of oil and gas from the Arctic Refuge,” said Mr. Turner, who made his comments in Whitehorse on behalf of World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

“Moving ahead with resource development of the Refuge disrespects and threatens the culture of the Gwich’in people who have, for many centuries, relied on the migratory Porcupine caribou herd. These caribou have no passports – but they need the Alaskan coastal plain each summer for calving, and they need our Yukon each winter.

“In my view, those messages must be delivered clearly to President Bush by our Prime Minister. And, with the world watching, Quebec City is the place to say it.”

Monte Hummel, president of WWF – Canada, presented a statement from Kathryn Fuller, president of WWF – US, and emphasized that Mr. Turner spoke for the entire five million member WWF global organization, which has offices in 70 countries.

Mr. Turner made his remarks following meetings this week with Yukon Premier Pat Duncan and NWT Premier Steve Kakfwi, as well as various community leaders in both territories. He was joined at today’s press conference by fellow WWF Canada board member Norma Kassi, from Old Crow, in northern Yukon.

“In mobilizing our opposition to industrial development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, we are in a much stronger position knowing that the Gwich’in peoples enjoy support on this issue from WWF around the world,” said Kassi. “The cultural integrity of the Gwich’in and all First Nations must be a top priority in future negotiations on oil and gas development in the north – our homeland. For us, the Refuge is above all a question of human rights. Our rights must be protected.”

That view was endorsed by Hummel, who said an important additional test will arrive on April 19 at the annual general meeting of British Petroleum. He called on BP Amoco, the major producer on Alaska’s north slope, to declare publicly that it would drop all future plans to drill for gas and oil in the Arctic Refuge.

“BP says it wants to be a corporate leader,” said Hummel, referring to the company’s recent efforts to position itself as a supporter of biodiversity conservation. “Now is the time to demonstrate that leadership by abandoning any designs BP might have on the Refuge.”

On the issue of future pipeline developments in Canada’s north, Hummel said the WWF view is clear:

“Most of Canada’s Arctic is still unfragmented wilderness and spectacular natural ecosystems. Any future oil or gas pipeline must first be acceptable to First Nations along the route, and, before proceeding, an ecologically and culturally representative system of protected areas must be identified and legally reserved.”