Call for a more thorough Regional Assessment of Offshore Oil and Gas Exploratory Drilling East of Newfoundland and Labrador

The RA was completed quickly and did not involve a thorough assessment, and particularly lacking was a cumulative effects assessment. The timeline of the RA should be extended to allow for a more rigorous assessment that adheres to the Terms of Reference and Impact Assessment Act. Additionally, the RA should cover the effects of climate change and include related recommendations. Finally, no areas were considered excluded from offshore drilling and exploration, not even marine refuges desingated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. These areas are known to have sensitive wildlife and were designated to protect this wildlife. Allowing oil and gas activities in these areas completely undermines these protections. Sensitive areas must be protected and excluded from oil and gas activities.