Dear Barbara,

Oil continues to spill in the wake of the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster; devastating the wildlife, people and ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico.

The images and stories from the Gulf are heart-wrenching and beg the questions: could this happen in Canada's Arctic, and if so, are we prepared?

The short answers: yes, and no we're not.

The world is knocking at the Arctic's door with oil and gas in mind. This pristine and ecologically important region is on the verge of becoming one of the most economically significant areas on our planet. With the emergence of a new ocean due to the rapid melting of sea ice comes unprecedented opportunity for development - and tremendous risk.

In response to the tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico, the federal government and the National Energy Board are reviewing the regulations that govern offshore drilling in Canada. However, the regulations only govern how an operator drills - not whether they operate or where. Meaning offshore drilling is permitted in ecologically sensitive areas - home to bowhead and beluga whales, and polar bears. An oil spill would be catastrophic in the Arctic, and there are no known mechanisms to clean up oil in ice-covered areas where harsh conditions could hamper relief efforts for months.

In a few short days, the House of Commons will break for the summer. Join WWF-Canada in calling for a comprehensive review of Canada's regulation of offshore drilling. We need to protect our Arctic ecosystems, and the species and local communities that depend on them.

Act today. Sign the petition. Share it widely. Speak up for greater regulation of offshore drilling in Canada.

Thank you,


Gerald Butts
President and CEO, WWF-Canada