Dam decision reaction pours in
Premier John Horgan announced Monday that the province will move forward with the controversial Site C hydroelectric dam, which is now pegged at $10.7 billion. Here’s what some people are saying: Rieghardt van Enter, B.C. regional director of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada:
“Seeing this project through will allow workers, their communities and all taxpayers to realize the tremendous benefits of this major investment.” Elizabeth Hendriks, WWFCanada’s vice-president of freshwater conservation:
“Site C dam is a good example of bad hydro renewable-energy development. Not only will this dam destroy wildlife habitat, its sizeable generation capacity will hinder the business case for new community-scale, habitat-friendly solar and wind energy developments.” Perry Bellegarde, Assembly of First Nations National Chief:
“Today’s decision is disappointing. I’m confident that First Nations will continue their efforts to stop Site C, and the next step will be legal challenges. We have rights in our traditional territories and, just as important, we have responsibilities to those traditional territories — to protect them, maintain them and sustain them. If this project proceeds, it will devastate traditional territories and sacred sites.” Kris Sims, B.C. director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation:
“Taking a $4 billion bath with nothing to show for it would have been fiscally irresponsible.” Alex Neve, secretary general of Amnesty International Canada:
“Today’s decision is appalling and indefensible. We are truly shocked at the callous disregard for the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples, despite the premier’s acknowledgment of what is at stake.” David Black, president of MoveUP labour union:
“Our members have been living with uncertainty about their jobs and futures for many months. This decision ensures their livelihoods and investments in the community are secure for many years to come.”