Dear sir,
Opponents to the Northern Gateway and the media claim they have support from “most” Canadians!?
I am not sure where that comes from. How do they verify this?
The January 11 Northern Sentinel front page article “ Supporters outnumber Opponents” confirmed my suspicion that the opposition to this project has credibility deficit.
It is sad to see that all the rhetoric and grandstanding on the subject is/was a statement for ‘self’ only - I see no common good addressed, not even considered.
Perhaps a referendum could be the answer?
In my opinion, those who oppose at all cost have not offered any long-term solution. The Ipsos-Reid poll indicates that international and national intervenors, scientists, politicians and media all have failed in their claim to have majority support.
Their effort to create a realistic, sound solution is totally absent.
International and national projects whose results have credible, satisfactory and positive effects on my country, create jobs that create communities which bring in families that need housing (more jobs) and open schools (more jobs) retail and services (more jobs) and taxes at all levels that pay for most of citizens’ needs, are good.
Our region has the potential of an economic giant but after many decades of medieval politics is now in the poverty zone, because of the exploitation of our federal and provincial political capital for ‘self’ serving MPs and MLAs and their parties Ideologies.
Their present opposition to the oil or any other large project proves that.
Do you see any positive return here from this political capital besides constant courses on opposition, no matter what the case?
Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan,, because of his passionate ‘self’ dislike of the prime minister and equally passionate ‘self” ambition to become “Prime Minister in Waiting”, has forgotten his responsibilities to all of us.
Do not forget we all pay his salary and pension.
His statement not too long ago, that this project is a direct threat to the way of life here confirms this deficit even more.
Well, to balance with his view, as the project is not in the ground yet, the greatest danger to our way of life in my opinion is his negative opposition to economic developments in this riding.
I am sure that many union members would work on Northern Gateway.
Do I see in Cullen’s passionate objection to the oil pipeline an objection to the well paid union jobs as well?
Benjamin Franklin said, “Passion will govern, and she will not rule well.”
It is long due to turn this passion to the best possible benefits for all collectively in this riding.
For starters, if we eliminate ‘self’ then perhaps the Big Picture may change.
That there will be specific fiscal arrangements/strategy between BC and Alberta.
That there is an recognition on the part of government of BC that a greater share of BC’s portion must be given and invested in the Northwest where the pipeline is, not Victoria.
That refineries in Vancouver and Prince George be refitted and upgraded to be able to serve Western Canada’s future needs.
That all the benefiting parties - federal government, governments of Alberta, aboriginal and non-aboriginal groups - are responsible and pay for establishing emergency response stations with adequate and well-trained teams in cities, towns and villages along the pipe line and channel on 24/7 patrol to maintain the pipeline and so avoid and prevent excuses and finger pointing in case of an emergency.
Everybody benefiting from the project must contribute to look after Nature’s precious gift - in this case oil.
In my opinion the major media has greatly failed us by presenting and seeking out only biased views.
Professional journalism must present fair and balanced views and news.
Benjamin Franklin again: “We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.”
Leon Dumstrey-Soos.