The federal government is reconsidering its long-standing moratorium on oil tanker traffic off northern British Columbia, initially imposed to protect sensitive coastlines. This shift follows a memorandum of understanding between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, outlining a potential pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific coast. The moratorium, legislated in 2019, prohibits tankers carrying more than 12,500 metric tons of crude or persistent oil products in a designated area stretching from Vancouver Island to the B.C.-Alaska border. The Hecate Strait, known for its treacherous waters, poses significant navigation risks for vessels, prompting concerns from local leaders about potential environmental impacts if the ban is lifted.
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