Editor:
In response to the West Vancouver council vote to ban the passage of LNG tankers in Howe Sound, and as the member of Parliament for West Vancouver and the rest of our magnificent riding, I disagree with the motion, the way it has been passed, and its timing.
Elected officials have a duty to wait until they know what the concerns are, how significant they may be, and what can be done to mitigate them. At this time, we have not heard of the council investigating the matter thoroughly or interviewing the proponent, Woodfibre LNG in Squamish. But, on the other side, the proponent is doing much to engage the public in Squamish and elsewhere, preparing for just such an application.
Our community needs to know that the project would be in Squamish and has not yet entered its environmental assessment phase. In fact, the proponent has not even formally filed an application.
It’s one thing to say, “No, not in my backyard.” However, it’s something else to say, “No, not in someone else’s backyard.”
LNG promises to bring jobs and economic growth across our whole province. The premier and government of B.C. have committed to LNG as a primary economic driver. If we are to pay for our teachers, our medical services, our welfare and the other good things we love in British Columbia, we do need some level of economic growth.
I am also concerned about the environmental impact of new industrial developments in our jewel, the Howe Sound. However, before I categorize this project as unsound for environmental or safety reasons, I, as a politician or, for that matter, a taxpayer in this country, need to understand the facts and have the input of experts.
We should not prejudge this project, but remain engaged in the process.
