One might jump to the conclusion that Port Metro is a small independent country such as Liechenstein. It certainly operates like one.
The corporation has approved a $15 million project at Fraser Surrey Docks that would see at least four million metric tonnes of coal shipped by rail to the transfer facility and then barged to China. This despite official opposition from both municipalities, which are directly affected by the project. This despite health authorities voicing their serious concerns. This despite the fact that Portland, Oregon has just turned down a similar project. This despite a flood of opposition from citizens. This despite the fact that the last thing China needs is more air pollution from burning fossil fuel – or for that matter, anyone on the planet needs.
So why on earth was it approved? Was it because of the 25 jobs created by the project? Yes, that’s not a typo – count ‘em 25 jobs not 2,500 or even 250. No, we doubt that.
The answer is simple, Port Metro benefits. And Port Metro gets to say who uses its land and how much they pay to use it.
Port Metro is technically responsible to the federal Minister of Transport in Canada. That would be Lisa Raitt, whose resume includes a stint as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Port Authority (TPA). She had previously served as the TPA’s general counsel and harbourmaster. So, if you’re thinking that an appeal to her environmental conscience will turn things around – don’t waste your time. Oh, and in case you’re wondering if this is the same ministry that is in charge of monitoring rail safety – you’re right. The same ministry that was called out for a lack of safety inspections on the railroad operating in Lac Mégantic. So, why wouldn’t we trust it to make environmental decisions in the Lower Mainland? Seriously, is this a test of our gullibility?
There’s something terribly wrong with a country that calls itself a democracy, yet allows a corporation to ignore citizen’s concerns and democratically elected city councils.
