Editor:
Re: Trans Mountain reported 12 spills in Burnaby, Burrard Inlet, since the beginning of March, Now, June 16
This is not surprising at all. This industry’s behaviour is nothing new. They can afford to pay the fines - it’s profit over the planet.
However, their open disregard for the safety and regulatory processes put in place by the provincial and federal agencies is indicative of their disrespect and indifference for a whole host of things that are ultimately not profit-related, (including) the marine waters, land and water species, human lives, municipal and provincial objections, indigenous voices and consent, climate change and environmental concerns.
None of that drives profit, so ultimately none of it matters to them.
That should be of concern to Canadians who have just become owners of an oil pipeline. Of the $4.5 billion that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he is committed to paying for the existing pipeline, $1.5 million is being paid in bonuses to both Ian Anderson, president of Kinder Morgan Canada Limited, and David Safari, vice-president of Trans Mountain, for the simple job of just remaining with the company. Meanwhile, Anderson is avoiding speaking of these violations. I find it very concerning that someone receiving a bonus of this magnitude of Canadian taxpayers’ money is able to remain so absent and unaccountable of their offenses.
While Trans Mountain states they take non-compliance very seriously, these failures to comply with issues would constitute an offence under the Federal Fisheries Act which could result in prosecution. So our $4.5 billion committed to this national interest of Canada is becoming a very good bonus paycheque.
Julie Ponsford, Burnaby
