Bombardier and the Quebec effect
Re: Bailouts From Above, editorial, Feb. 19.
Is this not the best time for Justin Trudeau to come forward and show Canadians he truly represents us all — both in Quebec and Western Canada? We are sure Bombardier will get $ 1 billion or $ 2 billion from Ottawa soon. Trudeau should be doing everything in his power at this time to get the pipelines, built both East and West. In so doing, he would help our Western neighbours to get some money sent their way and — guess what — it may cost the taxpayers very little to see this through. It will also save us from paying the Saudis billions for their oil coming into Eastern Canada. The only cost that I can see is Trudeau having to use up some political capital with his green environmental friends. Surely Canadian voters are worth more to him than the latter group or are we to be thrown on the trash heap as yesterday’s supporters?
Dave Bailey, Burlington, Ont.
I find it incredible the Quebec government’s “investment” in Bombardier was done without consultation and the federal government is now mulling one without any public input. Imagine if not only any subsidy to Bombardier, but the company’s ability to pursue any business initiative, were subject to the same rigours as a pipeline.
Bombardier’s products would be subject to a greenhouse gas effect test. Since their jets and snowmobiles are fuelled mostly by hydrocarbons, they would be found to contribute to climate change and thus likely not approved. As snowmobiles are used in the backcountry, they would be required to remediate the land to the condition in which they found it. Bombardier’s projects would have to demonstrate that they are in the public interest, basically eliminating any possible subsidy. The products would need First Nations review to be built on historical First Nations territory.
How a company such as Bombardier can in any way qualify for public funds while a privately funded pipeline is subject to an extensive and changing review process is grossly inconsistent. May be it has something to do with the province of residence of Bombardier?
Michael Sileika, North Vancouver, B. C.