Oceanside Star, September 09, 2010

As his cavalcade drove into Deep Bay Wednesday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was greeted by a group of CoalWatch members protesting the proposed Raven Coal Mine for the central Island area.

"There's just no way it can be done safely or economically," said Parksville's Dale Roscovich, who held a placard but said he didn't belong to CoalWatch. He just shares their concerns.

Near him was Jean Maaren of Fanny Bay, who said her home overlooks the area where part of the development, which the company has said will create about 200 well-paid jobs, would be built.

The plan is currently before a federal government review agency, and the public has until Sept. 20 to contribute input.

CoalWatch president John Snyder said the two dozen or so placard-carrying citizens were out to show support for the shellfish industry, which employs hundreds in the area.

Snyder said his group wants a higher level of federal review, a joint review panel with public hearings, not just public meetings.

The protesters said they could not see the PM behind the dark glass, and the cavalcade did not stop to acknowledge them.

© Oceanside Star 2010

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