Mayor can’t stop pipeline

Re: Gregor Robertson unveils Vision’s ‘ green’ platform, challenges LaPointe, Oct. 6

Gregor Robertson says the “centrepiece” of his environmental strategy is to argue for something he admits he can do nothing about: keeping oil tankers out of the harbour, and a new pipeline out of Burnaby. Since he’s been in power, oil tanker traffic in the inlet has grown 111 per cent.

I believe in respecting the legal and regulatory process. When it comes to Kinder Morgan’s proposal to twin the pipeline into Burnaby, the responsible approach is to be at the hearing on behalf of Vancouver and to argue for the best possible outcome.

If the board approves the pipeline, I want to see extensive investment in technology that would not only optimally mitigate risk, but generate new energy options for our country. If we don’t get that outcome, I would oppose the pipeline.

That said, the mayor of Vancouver has no power to stop it.

As mayor, I will vigorously argue for Vancouver’s interests at the NEB hearing. NPA councillors have voted to support intervener status. I would need assurances about our harbour, about how tanker traffic would be made safer, and how our region would receive benefits to pave the way to new energy forms that don’t depend on fossil fuels.

When ideology trumps practicality, we lose as a city. We have six years of losses to show for it.

KIRK LAPOINTE

NPA mayoral candidate