Canada: ANWR drilling a "big mistake"

According to Petroleum News, the government of Canada had a "subdued" response to recent U.S. moves toward drilling for oil in ANWR. Our northern neighbor, which also shares a border with ANWR, continues to oppose oil development in the refuge because of its potential impact to caribou herds and native people.

Environment Minister Stéphane Dion said Canada would continue to pressure the U.S. to avoid drilling, which it considers a "big mistake." He said he would press for a meeting soon with U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton to sure the caribou are protected.

The Canadian embassy also indicated it would hold the U.S. to a 1987 treaty which requires each side to consult the other before undertaking any activities that would cause a “long term adverse impact” on the Porcupine caribou herd.