Editor:
Adrian Dix and the entire B.C. NDP caucus courageously signed an April 30 letter to the Northern Gateway joint review panel on Enbridge's proposed pipelines from Alberta's oil sands to Kitimat. It concluded: "Having carefully weighed the risks and benefits to B.C. and Canada, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Proceeding would cause significant adverse economic and environmental effects not in the public interest. Therefore, the project should not be allowed to proceed."
Christy Clark's Liberal government criticized the NDP position as "premature, without first ascertaining the facts." But during May 2 question period, Clark's neutrality evaporated when she blurted out, "With respect to Northern Gateway, let me say this: our government is pro-pipeline."
The next day, Liberal MLA Terry Lake insisted his government will "wait for the evidence, wait for the process to be finished and then come to a decision."
Presto, chango! Neutrality restored!
On May 6, economist Robyn Allan's report titled Proposed Pipeline and Tanker Spill Risk for B.C. noted both Enbridge and Kinder Morgan, which wants to twin its existing pipeline to their Burnaby Terminal, are understating their planned crude exports through Kitimat and Burnaby respectively, and therefore understating the risks. Allan warns their multi-staged approach to increase pipeline throughput (volume capacity) following construction will likely escape any environmental assessment.
Clark's Liberals abrogated their responsibility to look after the interests of B.C. They have not sought intervenor status before the review panel, feigning neutrality with respect to the risks of the proposed pipelines and tankers.
We don't elect governments to take a position of studied neutrality as huge petrocorps practise bamboozle and bafflegab despite the enormous risks. Governments should look after our collective interests and that demands active examination and cross-examination.
If a corporate plan can't pass the muster of a rigorous review, so be it!
Jef Keighley, chair, Sunshine Coast Senior Citizens (COSCO-BC)
