Natural Resources Minister Siobhan Coady says the government is open to the idea of an independent safety regulator for the province’s offshore oil and gas industry, but is not currently working toward implementation.
Over the last number of months, the New Democratic Party has been calling for the regulator, which is laid out in recommendations from Justice Robert Wells’ public inquiry after the tragic crash of Cougar Helicopters Flight 491, which happened 10 years ago Tuesday.
“It is recommended that an independent offshore safety regulator be given a new and expanded mandate,” wrote Wells in the Phase 2 report.
“Its mandate should be an all-encompassing oversight role to consult with any persons or entities, regulatory or otherwise, with regard to offshore safety issues and to take such action or actions as may be necessary in the interests of safety and transparency.”
Coady says the spirit of the recommendation has been met by previous administrations.
“We have a separate and autonomous safety division within the (Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board). Judge Wells was OK with that recommendation and the development of that recommendation,” said Coady.
“As the industry grows, there may become a point in time when we need to consider a separate regulator. That’ll be monitored.”
Norway and England – two countries with far larger offshore oil and gas operations than in this province – both have separate, independent offshore safety regulators in place.
Coady says the existing safety officer within the CNLOPB has a separate budget from the rest of the board and can provide independent decisions and recommendations to the offshore industry.
“It’s not being actively explored right now. We have four projects offshore, we do have some exploration that’s going on as well,” said Coady.
“Wells certainly agreed with and felt that was sufficient for safety, that we have a separate and autonomous safety division, that’s critical. All I’m saying is, of course, as we continue to grow our industry … we all must be open to ensuring we are doing everything we can to ensure safety is paramount.”
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