There's only one thing worse than getting the Enbridge pipeline - not getting it.
If we don't get the pipeline and other development projects, we shall:
n continue to export our children and grandchildren elsewhere because we don't have enough jobs and/or variety of opportunities to keep families together here
n have trouble attracting further industrial and commercial activity to diversify our economic base
n have trouble generating money to pay for education, health care and the social services we require
n have trouble attracting and keeping the skilled professionals and tradesmen we need
n have trouble ensuring the north has a strong voice in provincial government.
We need the economic diversity because the forest-based industries do not have a bright future anymore. Enbridge is only one step in the diversification the north needs. We can't count on so-called 'green' industries. As shown in Ontario and Europe, they require massive subsidies from taxpayers and none deliver what they promise.
Like our pulp mills and the forestry industry, Enbridge is a matter of proper risk management and with the enforceable guidelines, risks can be kept at an acceptable level. This can be done as shown by the Trans Mountain pipeline which has been operating well for sixty years. Unless we want to live like hunter-gatherers, we have to accept some risk in order to be part of the modern world. Very few would really choose to live like that - and these few should not be allowed to hinder this important project for the north.
Ian Kluge
Prince George
