Energy worker apologizes

Sorry about meeting public’s demands, fuelling transportation, creating jobs

Re: UBC, SFU may drop oil investments, Dec. 5

I have worked in the energy sector for over 25 years and would like to apologize for continuing to meet the energy demands of the general public, industry, government and educational institutions.

Sorry for providing to heat our homes, schools and businesses. Sorry for supplying gasoline so we can get to work, school, activities and to the hospital. Sorry for supplying diesel that powers equipment, buses, trucks, trains and BC Ferries. Sorry for supplying aviation fuel for small planes, helicopters and every commercial flight. Sorry for supplying asphalt for our streets and propane for our barbecues.

Sorry for being part of an industry that has spent billions making fuels cleaner and more efficient. Sorry for the thousands of jobs the industry has created and for the positive ripple effects on all other economic sectors.

Sorry that energy actually requires energy. Sorry that although there is growth in alternatives, there is no magic bullet to obliterate the “traditional” energy sector.

Finally, sorry for working hard in a critical sector that allows me to feed my family, pay my bills and send two of my kids to SFU and UBC where the industry demonization continues to increase. STEWART BAILEY North Vancouver