"Where there are tankers, accidents happen.…There is an average of four oil tanker spills worldwide each year," said Oonagh O'Connor, Living Ocean's energy campaign manager. "It's not a question of if, but when… There's actually a risk on our coast already with the cruise ships, container vessels and expansions of the ports."

The model takes into account tidal movements, currents and the presence of fresh water and salt water. Separate scenarios show what would happen in summer and winter. What's not predictable is the amount of oil that could foul the coast, said O'Connor.

Former prime minister Pierre Trudeau imposed a ban on tankers in the early 1970's but the Conservative federal government takes issue with the ban. They say that nothing was put on paper.
(Source: Times Colonist) | For further info...