Dear Editor: Looking back at the last provincial election, it seems pretty clear that people were willing to take a chance on Premier Christy Clark's promise of a debt-free B.C., all through the magical pixie dust of liquefied natural gas and some hopeful accounting. Since then, reality has decided to intervene, which should come as a shock to absolutely no one, given past promises and results from this government.
Let's recap; last month we learned that there are no deals in place with any LNG companies, nor has a route been confirmed for any potential pipeline between the LNG deposits and a port of any kind.
At this point, I think the minister should clarify a few things with British Columbians, since we clearly have not been getting the full story so far.
First, what exactly is the plan for transporting LNG from the Peace district and other deposits to Asia and our other potential markets, and what kind of consultation has been done with people along the proposed route, including First Nations? Second, what kind of disparity is there between the price of LNG sold within the province and the world standard, and what will the government do to ensure that British Columbians obtain their fair price for our resources? Third, and on a related note, what guarantees are being made by corporations to the government to ensure that British Columbians retain a fair share of the profits of our natural resources? Finally, what measures are in place to protect the environment both along the route and during the shipping process? This government promised us a grand vision during the election, a vision where we wouldn't have to worry about debt or the rising costs of government services.
The time has long since come to explain how this vision will come to pass.
British Columbians deserve the truth about how much starting this industry will cost, and even if it's possible to reach the profit margins promised by the premier during this election.
We deserve answers, not more hot air.
Trevor Ritchie
via email
