The NDP urged the Liberal government in the B.C. Legislature this week to be more forceful in getting compensation from CN for the environmental damage caused by the Aug. 5, 2005 CN derailment that resulted in 40,000 litres of caustic soda being dumped into the Cheakamus River.
MLA Shane Simpson, the NDP environment critic, grilled the government on why CN has only promised $2 million to date, to be spent over five years for fish restoration projects on the Cheakamus, while the railway line has already committed to putting $35 million towards a similar spill that occurred in Alberta.
The Alberta derailment that occurred 100 kilometres west of Edmonton on Lake Wabamun just two days prior to the Cheakamus spill, on Aug. 3, 2005.
CN has offered $7 million for compensation and will put an estimated $28 million towards cleanup. Simpson believes that B.C. could receive similar compensation if it took Alberta's tack.
"The contrast is clear," said Simpson. "One government stands up for her citizens and one government does not."However, Environment Minister Barry Penner contends that CN is not getting away scot free.
Penner said the railway may face charges after the Transportation Safety Board finishes their inquiry into the accident."They could still be on the hook for very significant fines over and above anything else they have provided to date," he said.
Train derailments that cause major environmental damage are happening far too frequently, said federal transport critic Joe Volpe, and safety standards must be raised immediately.
"The Conservative government must implement an immediate action plan to improve railway safety, including more inspectors, increased audits, safety and awareness initiatives, and stronger measures against non-compliance."
