The Chinese engineering company, Sinopec Shangai Engineering, operating in Alberta, has finally pleaded guilty to a five year old charge re their two dead and four injured workers. Refusal to accept responsibility ended just before a court trial was to begin.
When asked about doubts some Canadians have expressed regarding the proposed sale of the Calgary based oil company, Nexen, to the Chinese state owned CNOOC. A televised comment from Prime Minister Harper inferred that perhaps cultural differences were affecting our judgment.
I would like to think most of us respect Chinese culture. It is their government's harsh oppressive regime (let's not forget Tianammen Square) and state control which in no way resembles private enterprise that disturbs those of us who live in a free society.
There are no indications so far, as evidenced by the Sinopec Engineering case, that state controlled Chinese business have any respect for our values, and therefore our culture. Nor is there any evidence that trade with China would be on a quid pro quo basis. Rather, it thus far appears to be that Canada is eager to give them our oil at any cost.
Just ask those of us who value the biggest asset British Columbia has - our pristine wilderness.
Oil companies hold the silk purse and B.C. is offered a sow's ear.
Jeannette Paterson
Prince George
