To the Editor,
Passions ran high at a recent gathering sponsored by the Citizens for a Local Economy. Representatives from numerous community organizations (Alberni Environmental Coalition, Transition Towns, Council of Canadians, Food and Philosophy, Port Alberni District Labour Council and Coalwatch) came out to hear speeches delivered by Kelly Drybrough and John Snyder.
I imagine it is getting more and more difficult for Port Alberni City Council, Alberni-Clayquot Regional District directors and Port Alberni Port Authority directors to continue supporting Compliance Coal with its coal port project when the people of the Alberni Valley vehemently oppose such a venture.
Even though Bob Cole and Mayor John Douglas try to put a positive spin on the “Gateway to the Pacific” plan, people in this valley know increased port expansion in this fjord will further contaminate our air and water whether the coal comes by truck or by train.
At a recent chamber of commerce luncheon, Mary Polak, Minister of Transportation, was asked “Minister Polak, are you aware that Port Alberni City Council and the chamber of commerce created a four-pillar economic plan without community consultation and without community support...thus, rapid port expansion and the coal port project are not wanted by the majority of the populace who live here?
Her response was, “The community will have to adjust and face new challenges.” My, my, doesn’t that sound a lot like a euphemistic way of saying “Let them eat cake?”
Ellen Chambers,
Port Alberni