No sale on coal port even with offer of jobs

Stacey Gaiga, Alberni Valley Times, June 22, 2011

Re: "Exports will create jobs," (Alberni Valley Times, June 21)

How much more clear do we have to be, to get Mr. Tapics to comprehend that his coal project is not welcomed here?

The coal jobs he describes will have a "multiplier effect" that will jeopardize existing jobs and any future jobs from potential investment in industry sectors desired for Port Alberni's vision for a more sustainable, safe and healthy future.

Even the Port Alberni and District Labour Council has spoken in opposition to this coal project.

Exporting raw coal is like exporting raw logs because the few jobs this kind of export creates, exports even more jobs overseas, and we've seen enough of that. So why doesn't Tapics keep those overseas jobs here instead of exporting them? Because the government won't allow coal to be processed here to prevent the pollution it creates.

Mayor Ken McRae said to the transportation minister, "Don't Raven Coal you dare send trucks down my main street."

Tapics' plans still include sending 54,000 plus double B-Train coal trucks a year down our main street that already has a safety issue, which is a major concern at city hall due to an excess of oversized and overweight trucks since losing rail service, as described in a transportation study done by Stantec Engineering.

Last week, MLA Scott Fraser drove Highway 4 with the assistant deputy minister of transportation, the South Coast regional director, Vancouver Island District operations manager and executive director of highways operation and explained, "There was no support from anyone in the Alberni Valley or the West Coast of having to give up their Raven Coal highway for this industrial use that would have very little, if any, benefit to the region."

Mr. Tapics should try to grasp the words of those who have spoken in opposition and know that his coal project isn't welcomed here, which means his jobs aren't welcomed here either. Spin it any which way he pleases, but his words are simply a lame attempt to try to add selling features to something we already don't buy into.

Stacey Gaiga
Port Alberni

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