Rainforest pact got past polarization

Re: “Terence Corcoran: Is corporate social responsibility killing Alberta oil?” Opinion, Nov. 14

I’m writing to correct the claims regarding British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest made by Terence Corcoran in his column.

His pontification about corporate social responsibility aside, one thing is certain — the Great Bear Rainforest agreements on the British Columbia coast had nothing to do with Alberta oil. They had everything to do with the hard work of First Nations, the Province of British Columbia, logging companies and other business interests, environmental organizations, and local communities to protect biodiversity in one of the most unique places on Earth while providing new economic opportunities in the region. Funding support, including from companies like RBC, was vital.

Perhaps Corcoran hasn’t noticed that business is booming in the area, and that a new LNG pipeline through the Great Bear Rainforest has been given the green light.

The partners in the Great Bear Rainforest moved beyond the polarizing narrative that insists we choose between environment and economy. Now, 10 years after the original Great Bear Rainforest agreements were concluded, their positive impacts in the area reinforce the deep connection between sustainable economic development, the well-being of First Nations communities, and conservation of the region’s ecosystems.

Ross McMillan, President and CEO, Tides Canada