Dear Editor
Re: “Time to stop helping the fossil fuel economy,” Letters, Burnaby NOW, July 8.
Charles Leduc’s letter “Time to stop helping the fossil fuel economy” is in error and illogical. Firstly, about 70 per cent of B.C.’s crude (for Chevron’s refinery in Burnaby) and petroleum products enter B.C. from the Kinder Morgan line. Very little goes to Asia (he implied it all is); some does go to the U.S., and via “push tanker” to Vancouver Island and other B.C. ports. If that line shut down, so would B.C.
The new Kinder Morgan line will be mainly for export, but so what? The same is true for the sulphur, grain, coal, lumber, and many other commodities exported through Vancouver. All these exports generate jobs, taxes, and are a major player in B.C.’s and Canada’s economies.
“Impeding the flow of fossil fuels” simply gives our markets to the likes of Venezuela and the Middle East, along with Canadian jobs, taxes, and royalties, all vital to governments providing services. In my view, it is a loser strategy. If we do not supply the product, someone else will.
John Hunter, P. Eng., president and CEO J. Hunter & Associates Ltd.
