The B.C. government must balance economic development with environmental protection, Premier Christy Clark said while outlining the five requirements that must be met for the province to consider approving Enbridge’s controversial Northern Gateway pipeline proposal.

“We need to combine environmental safety with our fair share of fiscal and economic benefits,” Clark said in a release.

The five requirements include Enbridge successfully completing an environmental review process, with a recommendation by the National Energy Board Joint Review.

In addition, B.C. is demanding the development of “world class” oil spill response, prevention and recovery systems for B.C.’s coastline, ocean and pipeline route.

"When we consider the prospect of a heavy oil pipeline, and of the increased oil tanker traffic that would result, it is clear that our spill prevention and response plans will require significant improvements. Our government has already initiated discussions with the federal government on improving our response plans and resources," said Environment Minister Terry Lake.

The fourth requirement is to consult with and accommodate First Nations and develop a set of tools to help them partner with industry and participate in economic development.

“We believe the benefits to First Nations from major pipeline proposals must be clearly identified, along with the measures that will help protect against environmental impacts," said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak in a release.

The final requirement is the project must provide B.C. with a “fair share” of the fiscal and economic benefits of the pipeline project that reflects the environmental risk to the province.

The report suggested Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline could generate $81 billion in federal and provincial taxation over 30 years. B.C. and Alberta would gain 47 per cent of the revenues. However the bulk -- $38 billion -- would go to Alberta, with B.C. only gaining $6.4 billion.

The report said B.C. holds 100 per cent of the risk to the marine environment and 58 per cent of the risk on land, compared to Alberta’s 42 per cent.

“British Columbians are fair and reasonable,” Clark said. “We know we need resource and economic development, but we also expect that risks are managed, environmental protection is uncompromised and that generations will benefit from the decisions we make today."