Skip to content

Political science or science?

Editor: So, is the approval of Northern Gateway a political science decision or a science-based decision? Our MP John Weston believes it is the latter as he stated on CTV Power Play on June 19.

 

Editor:

So, is the approval of Northern Gateway a political science decision or a science-based decision? Our MP John Weston believes it is the latter as he stated on CTV Power Play on June 19.

When the government doesn’t publish science like Environment Canada’s study on dilbit (Nov. 20, 2013) until January 2014 after the JRP has issued the final report on Gateway — it causes me to pause.

Why is this particular report important? Enbridge argued that dilbit floats and the JRP felt the evidence required study but did not make it a requirement for the project approval. The summary conclusion of Environment Canada was that initially dilbit floats but after the condensate evaporates it sinks (within 24 to 36 hours).

In fact, it should cause Mr. Weston to rethink his “experts and science” mantra. Either Mr. Weston thinks his riding is so safe he can use government talking points or he has been misled. I believe it is the latter.

There are so many examples like this in the JRP report on Northern Gateway.

Mr. Weston should understand the difference between political science and science. The political science class of B.C. Conservative MPs are silent except for Mr. Weston and Mr. Wilks. Three hundred respected scientists, on the other hand, were very vocal and opposed Northern Gateway.

Mr. Weston may think Election 2015 is safe. I am not so sure.