November 10, 2005

Prime Minister Paul Martin issued today the following statement on the occasion of the U.S. House of Representatives' decision to drop the Arctic Refuge drilling provision from their budget reconciliation bill:

“I am very encouraged that the House of Representatives yesterday decided to drop the Arctic Refuge drilling provision from their budget bill. This is an important step forward in the protection of the Refuge, the Gwich'in people and the Porcupine Caribou Herd. I am proud of the persistent efforts of Environment Minister Stéphane Dion, environmentalists David Suzuki and Elizabeth May and so many others.

However, a number of hurdles still remain and Canada cannot relax until the final votes are cast. We will continue to work with our U.S. allies to ensure the Refuge and the Porcupine Caribou Herd remain protected.”