December 22, 2005

Prime Minister Paul Martin today issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate's decision to drop a legislative measure that would have opened the door to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge:

“I am encouraged by yesterday's decision in the U.S. Congress. Canada has long argued that drilling in the Arctic Refuge would have a devastating impact on the Porcupine caribou herd, which migrates annually to the refuge from Canada to calve, and on which the Gwich'in First Nations communities depend for their sustenance, culture and way of life."

"Although we are pleased with this decision, this remains a highly contentious issue. Canada will continue to advocate against drilling in the Arctic Refuge. We will continue to urge the U.S. to fulfill its obligations under the 1987 Agreement on the Conservation of the Porcupine Caribou Herd and to permanently protect this sensitive ecosystem, as Canada has done.”