I’m writing to thank all those who attended the march on Salt Spring to express opposition to the proposed Kinder Morgan project. I was not able to attend the demonstration, but want to re-affirm that as MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, and also speaking for BCNDP Official Opposition, we do not support the Kinder Morgan project.
John Horgan, Leader of the BCNDP has stated this position in writing to the National Energy Board, based on the facts that the economic and environmental risks far outweigh the benefits to B.C., the corrupted review process has no credibility, and a number of First Nations, including those in this constituency, steadfastly oppose the project.
I have spoken a number of times in the legislature, and will again in this upcoming spring session, of our legal and moral obligation to protect our endangered southern resident Orca.
We know from the important work done by the Raincoast Conservation Foundation that the seven-fold increase in tanker traffic resulting from Kinder Morgan would likely extirpate this iconic species.
I will also continue to advocate for a National Marine Conservation Area in the southern Strait of Georgia as part of a more sustainable path forward.
It is clear that the Christy Clark government, having already ceded its environmental review authority for the project to the federal government, will approve Kinder Morgan, making it more important than ever to change government in this province.
If the BCNDP forms government in 2017, we will do everything in our power to stop this project.
In the meantime, I will stand with you in opposing Kinder Morgan in whatever way I can.
This fight is far from over.
Gary Holman, MLA, Saanich North and the Islands