Dear Editor:
Re: Speak up for the environment, Letters to the editor, Burnaby NOW, Aug. 29.
It has been heartening to see that not only Greens recognize the inconsistency of the B.C. NDP's policies with respect to the environment. They oppose the building of the Northern Gateway pipeline. Building this pipeline is a slap in the face to the scores of First Nations that have territory along the route and have voiced their opposition to the project. The potential damage to the ecosystems in the area is far too great.
On the other hand, the NDP is supportive of constructing a 463-kilometre pipeline that will transport natural gas from Summit Lake, 55 kilometres north of Prince George, to Kitimat where it will be liquified and shipped abroad.
The process of "fracking" unconventional natural gas from shale requires millions of gallons of fresh water. The water is polluted with a cocktail of chemicals that include known carcinogens.
The NDP is a labour party. Given the choice between protecting union jobs or protecting the environment, the NDP will side with the unions. That is where the money is. That is where their voting base is. It is highly likely the NDP will form the next government in British Columbia, but that is no guarantee that environmental protection will improve over the next five years.
Rick McGowan, Burnaby Municipal Green Party
