Disregard pollution and job issues, for the moment.
Wonder instead how will Canada maintain its world position and its freedom without ample capital?
Family wealth does not come from family members but from neighbours.
If the pipeline does not proceed, will the Chinese and all other peoples quit using petroleum products?
Will the tar sands close down?
China and the rest of the world want what we've enjoyed for years; they will attain it.
Without the pipeline, oil consumers will purchase their petroleum needs from other countries.
Not all oil producing countries are menacing. However, placing a steady supply of capital, into the hands of some people over whom we have no control, could be a larger threat to Canada than oil spills: Osama bin Laden.
If an unscrupulous oil producing country does not have competition, increased oil prices will further lubricate their goals, which may not be about protecting the environment or human rights, but rather obtaining military might for ill gain.
A petroleum rich country with a tendency to stray from human rights, could be slow to recognize. This potential problem could place Canada in danger. If this happens, would Canadians be proud that they assisted them by removing Canada from the oil market, especially if Canadians could no longer afford to defend themselves.
Yes, there will be pipeline problems, but most problems can, with integrity, be minimized.
Pipelines and mining is not an environmental discussion only, it is also a dialogue about attaining the capital required (in our modern world) so that Canada can humanitarianly continue assisting the world with Canadian content, even if that Canadian content is (at times) incorrect. Canadians must remain available to help direct the world toward a better future.
The world's best future may not be obtained if countries like Canada close their doors to receiving their share of the energy capital, simply because one factor found on this complex issue is problematic.
Yes, environment is important but so also are many of the other sides that form this black diamond.
Even oil sales to the US and Canada require pipelines; Canadians drive cars.
If Canada sells oil to Canadians only, our wealth does not increase.
Freedom costs money. Retaining a world voice is not cheap.
Where then does Canada find capital to continue fighting good fights?
Until there is a replacement for oil, the question is not "if" but rather, "how do we guarantee pipeline and marine safety while retaining financial security?"
Bill Barnes
Prince George
