Is B.C.’s super, natural tourism industry threatened by the LNG sector? Absolutely not.
Opponents of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry would have us believe that our appreciation for pristine oceans and clean air is at risk if LNG tankers join the marine traffic already travelling our coastline.
These activists who engage in their own brand of political spin are not being held accountable for what they say, and have successfully rammed through decisions without proper debate.
Two municipal councils recently passed resolutions opposing the Woodfibre LNG proposal before even hearing from the proponent. Not to mention, these resolutions seek to limit shipping in Howe Sound, when not unlike Burrard Inlet, shipping is happening, and has been happening safely for decades.
Local MP John Weston is right when he said elected officials should wait until they know all the concerns, how significant they are, and what can be done to mitigate them before voting to support or oppose a proposal.
The Woodfibre LNG project has a lot of positives: the site is zoned for industrial use, has a deep-water port and access to the BC Hydro grid. The District of Squamish estimates they’ll receive $2 million plus in taxes, annually, which is a significant amount in a community facing double digit increases to property taxes since the pulp mill closed in 2006.
Anti-industry activists waging a war against Woodfibre LNG’s proposed LNG processing and export facility outside Squamish are taking their fight to mayors and councillors.
The wealth that B.C. takes for granted — that funds our schools, hospitals and social programs — is directly correlated to industry like LNG. The resource industry is a major contributor to our province’s prosperity, so let’s get behind LNG in B.C.
John Winter,
President and CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce
