The United Fisherman and Allied Workers Union wants all members of parliament to support an Opposition motion banning oil tanker traffic in northern B.C. waters.

The motion would legislate a ban on oil tanker traffic covering Dixon Entrance, Queen Charlotte Sound and Hecate Strait and will be presented Tuesday.

At present there is only a moratorium against tanker traffic in the area which has been in place for 38 years.

"Our coastal communities depend on a healthy environment and an oil spill in the north coast could devastate coastal economies and communities," said union spokesman Arnold Nagy.

He said the fishing industry in the north and central coast was worth over $135 million a year.

(Source: Fishermen's union opposes oil tankers in B.C. waters [Vancouver Sun])