Having read recent articles and opinions about the pipeline, all of which seem to bash BC for either standing in the way of economic progress or wasting money on court challenges, I wanted to write to offer a different take on it all.
When it comes to the issue of standing in the way of economic progress everyone of the folks in that camp – including our own Prime Minister - seem to forget or dismiss the incredible damage that would be done to BC’s economy should a spill of dirty crude ever happen.
Folks can say that is a remote possibility, but if it was their own family and their own backyard, how would they play the risk game on this? Why is it so “evil” for BC to not want the risk of an incredibly damaging dirty crude oil spill in the backyard of its biggest asset – its coastline and its environment? The cost would be enormous and far exceed any economic benefit that BC would derive from the pipeline.
When it comes to the issue of wasting taxpayer money on court challenges that may not succeed, folks bashing BC on that seem to ignore that standing up for what is morally right, even if not financially prudent, is never a bad thing.
By resisting perhaps BC drives a higher-level compromise solution being reached. For example, perhaps the PM opts to build refineries in Alberta instead of floating money for Kinder Morgan. I mean, lets face it, continuing to invest billions to destroy the planet and our known way of life is just not something we should be doing.
It would be far better if that money went into alternate energy development. For that brave choice, our kids and future generations would thank us.
All other considerations aside, Horgan is doing the right thing for all the right reasons. He is truly leading - and this taxpayer is okay with that.
Perhaps Premier Notley and Prime Minister Trudeau could apply more of their energy to working with BC to come up with a better plan – a win/win solution for everyone in Alberta, BC and all of Canada. Surely great leadership could come up with a better way to invest, create jobs, and make that capital yield profit couldn’t they? Or are we that bereft of creative thinking, innovation, and leadership that it can’t be done?
I am deeply proud of BC for standing up for itself and for our collective future. If that costs me more in gas prices I am okay with that.
Mr. Horgan you have earned my vote.
Steven Cross