Dear Editor:
Re: Coal is critical to B.C. economy, In My Opinion, The Record, Jan. 10.
We understand that Messrs. Gordienko et al feel “Coal is critical to B.C. economy.” They point out that they are not doctors. Fine. So we will not pay heed to their medical opinions.
Suggesting the proposed Fraser Surrey Docks U.S. coal expansion will have no ill health effects in the city is silly.
Anyone familiar with the history of London in the Industrial Revolution or who has visited China recently is quite familiar with the joys of many forms of pollution provoked by the mining, transporting and use of coal. Saying it isn’t so does not change historic facts or make all the ills disappear.
Apparently, these particular union leaders also lack strength in the area of macroeconomics. Please explain how the Fraser Surrey Docks U.S. coal proposal benefits the B.C. coal industry when the coal it proposes to ship is from the U.S.
We note various patriotic statements regarding employment in B.C. – all 25 jobs. I’m all for it! However, thousands and thousands of North American jobs are lost to the value-added production China enjoys as a result of imported coal (for thermo electric or steel production). I’m not for that.
This U.S. coal displaces steel production in Canada. It stimulates all manner of tertiary positions. It creates large volumes of building materials in China and promotes huge movement of goods imported from China to Canada. Give your empty heads a shake, gentlemen! This has a doubly negative impact on Canadian employment, unions andthe balance of payments.
New Westminster residents suffer a variety of health and lifestyle penalties from other large and unionized operators – the railroads. We are subject to this unrelenting noise, vibration, dust, diesel and other pollution on the grounds that the railroad was here first. Fine! In terms of the elevated dust, diesel, noise and other pollution hazards of the Surrey Fraser Docks U.S. coal expansion, I must share that we citizens were here first.
Build whatever facility you want to mine and move U.S. or B.C. coal. Just be smart enough not to do so in a city centre.
Dal Brickenden, via email
