In the Age of Trump, pipelines needed more than ever
We are British Columbians, but if you are outside the country and someone asks, “Where are you from?” I think we proudly say Canada, not B.C. So why do many of the people we elect have so much trouble standing up for Canada?
Western Canadian Select crude oil is sold exclusively to the U.S., currently at more than $30 a barrel less than the world price. This amounts to tens of millions of dollars a day lost to our economy.
At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump has slapped a 20.8 per cent tariff on softwood, announced a 300 per cent tariff on Bombardier C Series aircraft, and is contemplating a tariff on our steel and aluminum. He is also threatening to tear up NAFTA if he doesn’t get his way.
It is imperative our nation’s products have access to world markets, particularly at a time when Trump’s America First policy could have a devastating effect on our economy.
The environmentalists’ assertion that to leave the resource in the ground will reduce the use of fossils fuels is simply incorrect. If
Canada reduces supply, it will be replaced by any number of current oil-producing countries. If we truly want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are concerned about safe transport, we should build several pipelines to new, technologically cleaner refineries to be built in Kitimat and Prince Rupert, thereby avoiding the shipment of bitumen through the south coast.
Wayne Cox, Victoria
Say no to filthy bitumen
Regarding Wednesday’s full-page ad from Alberta urging British Columbians to come around and see the light regarding the second pipeline, it is clear that certain factions are interested solely in money and will say anything in service of that end.
We are not interested in putting our harbours and inlets in jeopardy so that Alberta can sell filthy bitumen to parts unknown. It’s just that simple and nothing they say will alter the basic fact.
Chris Wright, Surrey
Ferry wages must freeze too
B.C. Finance Minister Carole James still doesn’t know the difference between a debit and a credit.
Freezing ferry fares, giving a 15 per cent rate reduction on smaller routes, and reinstating that seniors travel free as passengers from Monday to Thursday is all fine and dandy. What James does not understand is that there are two sides to a ledger. The other side in this case is that all wages paid to all employees in the corporation must also be frozen as long as the rate freeze is in effect. If that is not done, the proposal is a waste of time.
She has frozen revenue, with expenses still rising. Being paid a taxpayer-funded salary of $158,822.75 per year, you would think James would know how to do her job.
Joe Sawchuk, Duncan
Teachers welcome in B.C.
We should thank U.S. President Donald Trump. His suggestion that some teachers should carry guns to keep schools safer may be the key to solving the Lower Mainland teacher shortage.
Here, the only thing a teacher needs to be highly trained in is teaching. To U.S. teachers I say, Come on up! We sure could use you!
Warren Cruickshank, Burnaby