On Feb 8th, there was a letter published in the Prince George Citizen by Murray Minchin of Kitimat.
He expressed strong opposition to the Northern Gateway pipeline proposal. He seemed to suggest that his strong stand against this project reflects the view of the people of Kitimat. I wonder if this is so? After all it would bring prosperity to Kitimat so why should people there be against a mundane, but valuable project?
Oil is being moved everywhere in the world by pipelines, and tankers without damage to the environment or tourism or fishing industries.
In the North Sea, off the coast of Scotland, Norway and Denmark, oil development has taken place for decades with oil rigs, pumping platforms and pipelines and oil tankers moving through narrow fjords and waterways, bring jobs and prosperity to these countries without having the slightest adverse effect on their fishing and tourist industries. In these countries, common sense seems to have prevailed to their benefit! It is possible that the people of Kitimat, or B.C. should possess less common sense that the Scandinavians, or people from other civilized countries?
Much noise is being made by various so-called environmental groups, who seem to be able to collect large donations by opposing and spreading misinformation about almost every industrial activity.
There is a gas and oil pipeline going from the Peace area to Vancouver. It crosses two mountain ranges, may rivers and streams including the Fraser near Prince George. Oil has been pumped through it for 40 years. It is not causing any problems and nobody thinks about it and there is benefit to the area with a few jobs.
It has been stated that Canada would achieve an increase in oil revenue of $66 million per day if marketed to Pacific rim countries instead of to the U.S. only as it is now. Could this have something to do with why tens of millions of dollars has floated in from the south to fight this project?
Sadly, it seems now that some native groups west of Prince George have been influenced by environmentalist alarmists, and now opposes this project. They should weigh the facts, and think seriously before taking this stand. Statements like "we must protect our land four our children and grandchildren" makes no sense, as no stream in North America has ever been lost to a pipeline. In fact this pipeline would give some jobs, and be food for wildlife as it provides an area where willows and grass will grow!
Svend Serup
Prince George.
