Environmental Minister Jim Prentice says a new offshore drilling initiative in the Davis Strait will have the guidance of an inspector from the Canadian government.
The offshore drilling business is about to get some new oversight.
A new drilling program in the Davis Strait will be overseen by a Canadian government inspector, according to Jim Prentice, Environmental Minister. The Globe and Mail reports that Minister Prentice raised apprehension over the fact that Greenland plans to allow Cairn Energy PLC to drill multiple wells in the Arctic, in close proximity to Canada's coastline.
If problems occur, it could have major implications for both small business and wildlife in the region. But after a recent visit to Greenland, the Minister said he was reassured.
"I was impressed with the amount of work the Greenlanders have done and that they are determined to enforce the highest possible environmental standards for Arctic drilling," Mr. Prentice said in an interview with the news source.
Much like Norway, Greenland is home to some of the most demanding rules when it comes to the offshore drilling business.
"Canada has always recognized the importance of protecting the Arctic from environmental hazards," said Minister Prentice.
In light of the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, many Canadian small businesses and citizens remain weary of offshore drilling. The Minister recently told the Vancouver Sun that the moratorium on offshore oil development in British Columbia would not be lifted in the near future.
