Canadians for the Great Bear: it's not over until it's over. Forever.

There is a long way to go yet in the review and approval process for the proposed pipeline and oil tanker route through the Great Bear, one of the richest and most spectacular ecosystems on Earth. And we have seen that the federal government is prepared to weaken environmental safeguards and environmental assessment processes in order to clear the way for risky projects like this.
 


© Andrew S. Wright  / WWF-Canada


But more importantly, even if the company withdraws its application, it’s not over. WWF’s commitment has never been just about seeing an end to this Northern Gateway oil pipeline project. Our aim is to make sure the whole idea of oil tanker traffic in the Great Bear Sea is REALLY over, forever.
That means a permanent, recognizable, and enforceable designation prohibiting oil tankers on the BC north coast. It means a smart, multi-use ocean plan that includes enforceable conservation and management measures to protect the extraordinary ecological, cultural, and economic values of this region. And at a national scale, it means a Canadian energy strategy that protects nature, serves Canada’s long-term interests, and makes the shift to a renewable energy economy.
If anything, if this project proposal is withdrawn, we will need to redouble our efforts to keep the Great Bear Sea alive in the minds of Canadians. We will need to make sure our allies and supporters don’t just breathe a sigh of relief and go on to the next thing, but rather that they stand with us to demand that B.C. and Canada see this through to a lasting conservation outcome, in the Great Bear and across the country.
And with the support we’re gathering, there’s no question we can do this.  Our Canadians for the Great Bear campaign has drawn together some extraordinary Canadians – and stay tuned to hear who else is joining! Together, we will choose a sustainable future for the Great Bear, and a sustainable future for Canada. Until then, it’s not over. Please join us.