Editor:
Some of us remember, with regret, the impact of the Exxon Valdez running aground in the Prince William Sound of Alaska.
For years, B.C. inland coastal waters have remained off limits to super tankers.
But take note, with a federal Privy Council order changing the Navigational Waters Act and the environmental assessment law, all protection is lost. So if you lived in Kitimat, the shiny new thing would be a project that, to quote our premier, "will create hundreds of jobs" across northern B.C. for a two-year period. The proposed pipeline from the Alberta tarsands, terminating in the deep water port of Kitimat, will ship crude oil aboard huge tankers to China and the U.S.
Let me be clear, I understand the economic advantages to the Alberta and B.C. governments, but a funny thing happened on the way to the forum - First Nations across the path of this 1,100 km folly said no.
This is an enormous decision for British Columbians who not only live in the coastal north, but for the lotus eaters here in the south. Should we enable Alberta to sell their oil to China, or should we take a longer view on what will happen to our northern coast when the accident happens? This is not about if - it is about when.
Consider, what if the pipeline was proposed here? Would we have the conviction to look to the future rather than the immediate and sell our vibrant Coast for petro dollars?
If you say no, I ask you to help our First Nations of Northern B.C. and the people of Kitimat to save this beautiful area for future generations.
Bonnie Nicol
Gibsons
