Oceanside Star, January 05, 2012

Groups opposed to a coal mine have formed the Peaceful Direct Action Coalition to educate the public on peaceful direct action.

"Many of us see peaceful direct action and civil disobedience as another tool to use in the fight against this massive coal mine proposal near Fanny Bay," said John Snyder of Fanny Bay, president of the CoalWatch Comox Valley Society.

A little over two years ago a crowded town hall meeting in Fanny Bay discussed the proposed Raven Underground Coal Mine Project. It was at this meeting that concerned citizens formed CoalWatch Comox Valley.

"It's clear that the "harmonized" environmental assessment of the Raven Project is deeply flawed," Snyder said. "Numerous local governments, community groups, and thousands of British Columbia citizens have called for a more rigorous environmental assessment, a so-called independent review panel with public hearings. Unfortunately, the calls for a more rigorous assessment have been rejected at all federal and provincial levels of government."

The proposed mine contradicts Official Community Plans and Regional Growth Strategies, he said.

The company says it can mine coal in a responsible manner and provide dozens of well-paid jobs for years to come.

© Oceanside Star 2012

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