All Parties Support Campaign for Fairness

Members of the legislature endorsed Premier John Hamm’s Campaign for Fairness through a unanimous vote in support of a resolution in the House of Assembly today.

The resolution called on Ottawa to honour the 1986 Offshore Accord that promised Nova Scotia would be the principal beneficiary of its offshore resources. Having received the support of all parties in the House, the resolution is now considered the official position of the House of Assembly.

Estimates place the value of Nova Scotia’s offshore oil and gas resources at approximately $36 billion over the next three decades. At present, the federal government collects 81 cents of every dollar generated from these resources.

"I am very pleased with the all-party support for the Campaign for Fairness," said Premier Hamm. "Nova Scotia is speaking out with one voice on this very important issue. All members of this House are united in our belief that Nova Scotia deserves to acquire the same tools used by other provinces to achieve economic independence."

The premier commended his colleagues and expressed his appreciation for their co-operation in advancing the interests of all Nova Scotians.

The resolution also authorized the Speaker to write Prime Minister Jean Chretien, on behalf of all Nova Scotians and the three political parties represented in the House, urging the Government of Canada to honour its commitment to the people of Nova Scotia.