In response to the tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico, the federal government and the National Energy Board are reviewing the regulations that govern offshore drilling in Canada. However, the regulations only govern how an operator drills - not whether they operate or where. Meaning offshore drilling is permitted in ecologically sensitive areas - home to bowhead and beluga whales, and polar bears. An oil spill would be catastrophic in the Arctic, and there are no known mechanisms to clean up oil in ice-covered areas where harsh conditions could hamper relief efforts for months.

In a few short days, the House of Commons will break for the summer. Join WWF-Canada in calling for a comprehensive review of Canada's regulation of offshore drilling. We need to protect our Arctic ecosystems, and the species and local communities that depend on them.