I would be very interested to see how an insurance company prices the risk...maybe we'd get some real facts about the dangers of oil tanker traffic.
Westcoast Reality - 12 years ago
So would having the federal government legislate a pipeline through first nations territory be considered the same act of bullying activism? I would suggest that Burnaby mayor Corrigan would have a much easier time to reign in the pipeline expansion than that city of Vancouver. But mayor Robertson does make a valid point that marine liability coverage for both shipppers and industry stakeholders isn't anywhere near enough to cover the damage/costs to clean up a spill in the Vancouver area. One only has to look at the devastating effects of the Exxon Valdez spill, mismanagement, poor response and feeble compensation that still to this day has devastated that marine ecosystem and economy for a generation!
The article has valid points however one should be aware that despite the potential negative ramifications of an ever expanding oil industry, the mayor is indeed out of his jurisdiction.
That is not to say that the threat of spill & the untold environmental & financial damages are not of concern but of greater concern is an elected public servant "playing to the crowd". Efforts & resources would best be allocated to lobbying and applying considerable financial (& voting) pressures to both the provincial and federal levels.
While I too have a healthy disdain for the current arrogance displayed by the current Conservative administration (they have repeatedly displayed their contempt of democratic process but that is a topic for another day), I cannot see the mayor's actions as anything but political posturing. And simply cannot condone it for the very least reason that it is ineffective & completely insufficient to bring about real change.
Municipalities can AND should put forth serious political muscle by providing real, tangible proposals & sharing those proposals with all stakeholders (yes the feds but especially their constituents - you know, the ones who also vote ideally at al three levels of government).
And votes, like cash, will bring about the necessary change to protect our environment while developing resources ethically and responsibly - simply blowing hot air & trying to "look good in front of Joe Q Public" is not the way.
Rick - 12 years ago
I agree with Hannu! Bullying activist? Let's talk Bullying Harper government and big oil companies that assume it is their God-given right to destroy anything that gets in their way!
It's not just a Vancouver Mayor against this, British Colombians love their coast and are tired of being told what's "best for us".
This is becoming the proverbial line in the sand...
Hannu Huuskonen - 12 years ago
Bullying activist rather than a responsible public servant? You must be joking. LOL.
It's pretty clear who is doing the bullying. And Gregor's not acting responsibly if he's trying to stop or at least mitigate the effects of the eventually inevitable oil spill, that will happen if the proposed volumes of crude would be moving through Vancouver? Federal jurisdiction eh? Until the spill absolutely devastates Vancouver and then it's up to the locals to deal with the aftermath.
The funniest editorial I've read in ages. Would be actually funny, if you were joking...
I would be very interested to see how an insurance company prices the risk...maybe we'd get some real facts about the dangers of oil tanker traffic.
So would having the federal government legislate a pipeline through first nations territory be considered the same act of bullying activism? I would suggest that Burnaby mayor Corrigan would have a much easier time to reign in the pipeline expansion than that city of Vancouver. But mayor Robertson does make a valid point that marine liability coverage for both shipppers and industry stakeholders isn't anywhere near enough to cover the damage/costs to clean up a spill in the Vancouver area. One only has to look at the devastating effects of the Exxon Valdez spill, mismanagement, poor response and feeble compensation that still to this day has devastated that marine ecosystem and economy for a generation!
The article has valid points however one should be aware that despite the potential negative ramifications of an ever expanding oil industry, the mayor is indeed out of his jurisdiction.
That is not to say that the threat of spill & the untold environmental & financial damages are not of concern but of greater concern is an elected public servant "playing to the crowd". Efforts & resources would best be allocated to lobbying and applying considerable financial (& voting) pressures to both the provincial and federal levels.
While I too have a healthy disdain for the current arrogance displayed by the current Conservative administration (they have repeatedly displayed their contempt of democratic process but that is a topic for another day), I cannot see the mayor's actions as anything but political posturing. And simply cannot condone it for the very least reason that it is ineffective & completely insufficient to bring about real change.
Municipalities can AND should put forth serious political muscle by providing real, tangible proposals & sharing those proposals with all stakeholders (yes the feds but especially their constituents - you know, the ones who also vote ideally at al three levels of government).
And votes, like cash, will bring about the necessary change to protect our environment while developing resources ethically and responsibly - simply blowing hot air & trying to "look good in front of Joe Q Public" is not the way.
I agree with Hannu! Bullying activist? Let's talk Bullying Harper government and big oil companies that assume it is their God-given right to destroy anything that gets in their way!
It's not just a Vancouver Mayor against this, British Colombians love their coast and are tired of being told what's "best for us".
This is becoming the proverbial line in the sand...
Bullying activist rather than a responsible public servant? You must be joking. LOL.
It's pretty clear who is doing the bullying. And Gregor's not acting responsibly if he's trying to stop or at least mitigate the effects of the eventually inevitable oil spill, that will happen if the proposed volumes of crude would be moving through Vancouver? Federal jurisdiction eh? Until the spill absolutely devastates Vancouver and then it's up to the locals to deal with the aftermath.
The funniest editorial I've read in ages. Would be actually funny, if you were joking...