B.C. Environment Minister Mary Polak issued the following statement, in response to the federal government’s announcement of a second rescue tug for British Columbia.

“We welcome the additional details from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the federal government’s Oceans Protection Plan, specifically its decision to add a second rescue tug for B.C. Having a tug stationed on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island is something we had requested, to ensure a world-leading response capacity for current levels of marine traffic.

“Premier Christy Clark and our government have been clear, consistent and principle-based for four and a half years; we will only support new heavy-oil pipelines in British Columbia if our five conditions can be met. As part of our five conditions, B.C. has insisted on a world-leading marine oil-spill response, prevention and recovery system for B.C.'s coastline and ocean.”