The future is bright and we will see innovation in every aspect of our lives. As residents of Canada and specifically BC, we need to ensure these innovations focus on a cleaner, greener future for the next generation and generations to come.
Prince George has an opportunity to have an extraction facility and an ethylene plant that will be designed and engineered with cutting edge technology and a modern understanding of environmental impacts. BC has one of the most stringent environmental assessment processes in the world and all proposed major projects must navigate their way through.
During the application to the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO), there is an initial cost to the proponent, review of submission, consultations with various groups to determine what should be considered in the assessment, application evaluation and a second consultation period to identify potential effects. The results are prepared and, finally, the provincial ministers may approve or reject the application.
Even though projects make it through the process, they are likely to have some strict conditions to adhere to and the EAO continues to work with Indigenous groups and all levels of government to promote compliance, conduct inspections, assess complaints, and take enforcement action. This process allows the EAO to understand every component of a proposed project so that there are no gaps in understanding the proponent’s intent and the impact the project will have on the area.
Trust in the process to gather the information.
There is time for all of us to provide input and weigh out if this project is right for us, our city, our province, and our country. If it is built under our rules, restrictions, and conditions, we are able to ensure clean construction, responsible operation and value added to our resources being extracted in our borders.
The responsible development of BC resources should produce BC jobs and provide tax revenue to BC communities. I will support the proposed plant with the expectation that they meet or exceed the conditions set out to them during the environmental assessment.
I will not be getting my information from social media groups or individuals comparing the proposed project to one that was built several decades ago. The facts will determine the path forward.
Cole Devereux
Prince George
