Green activist not fair in criticism of tanker traffic, reader argues
An article in Sunday’s paper regarding the National Energy Board having an oil industry bias in its pipeline plan angered me intensely, particularly the comments of Steven Biggs, a climate and energy campaigner for Stand.earth. It shows an incredible extent of hypocrisy as follows: “The board’s bias toward the oil industry is on full display with its proposed new restrictions on whale watching and ferries, while at the same time continuing to allow a massive seven-fold increase in oil tanker traffic in critical orca habitat in the Salish Sea.”
The disgusting part is that while there is a seven-fold increase in tanker traffic, it is from approximately one per week to one per day by slow-moving piloted vessels. Meanwhile, he accepts increases in the seemingly endless harassment of the poor beasts by whale watchers, scientists, “doctors,” ferries and pleasure seekers, all buzzing around chasing them in boats.
Biggs’ distortion of the real statistics as to the impact of keeping our economy going is a disservice to all interested parties. Robert Currie, Coquitlam
Fix the pier
Our federal government is always sending away millions of dollars to disasters in other countries. Where’s the cash for the White Rock pier disaster?
Let’s get it built fast to protect all the businesses on the waterfront. You know? The taxpayers of our country. Elsie Lundin, Langley
Carbon tax is too high
I was pleased to read Stu Orpen’s letter about the useless carbon tax. It is not a tax to reduce pollution any more, but a tax on struggling families, seniors and people who are working two jobs to pay for basic things such as food, shelter, heat and light.
Former premier Gordon Campbell brought in the “revenue-neutral” tax 11 years ago at $20 a tonne, and on April 1 this year it’s going up to $40. Not revenue neutral anymore. It’s the highest carbon tax not just in Canada but all of North America and many other countries.
My natural gas cost in my January bill was $19.67, but the total bill was $125.77. The carbon tax was $22.07.
I am sure Premier John Horgan and Green party leader Andrew Weaver can afford this on their salaries, but I can’t on my old age and Canada pensions. Jerry Fairbanks, Mission
Teens can afford transit
Aw, gee. So these unfortunate teens can’t pay their fines for stealing rides on TransLink!
I’m an old geezer who walks a lot. I’ve noticed that most of the teens waiting at the transit stops are busy with their smartphones, many dressed in designer jeans and shoes, some with fancy haircuts.
These poor souls can’t afford transit fares? I doubt it.
If free transit is to be provided, it should be for families receiving social assistance or old folks living pension cheque to pension cheque. Clarence Scatchard, Port Coquitlam
Police must testify
Am I the only one who thinks that not compelling police to testify before the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. is a huge flaw in the legislation?
The latest deaths during a high-speed police chase in Nanaimo might be more easily investigated and police actions in general more acceptable to their employers — us citizens — if we knew they were easily called on the carpet to look at their actions. Andrew Davidson, Surrey