I call BS on these two sugar-coated statements that basically say we plan to strangle the resource industry in so many rules, regulations, and consultations, that they just give up

Here in Kamloops my federal Conservative MP, Cathy McLeod let it be known in no uncertain terms what she thinks about Trudeau’s accomplishments when it comes to the punitive duties being imposed on our softwood lumber by the protectionist Americans:

Speaking on Thursday McLeod stated that, “The Liberal government has failed to take decisive action on this file ... and today’s decision is merely window dressing,”

Over the years the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) panel has made the same ruling time and time again.

“US duties on Canadian softwood lumber are unfair and unwarranted ... the economic well-being of BC’s interior is at stake,” stated MP McLeod.

Next door in Alberta, calls for action were just as swift; they will continue to advocate for free and unfettered trade to increase economic activities and jobs.

“We are disappointed with the International Trade Commission (ITC)’s original position that Canadian softwood lumber hurts the U.S. industry. No harm is being done through Canada-U.S. softwood lumber trade”, stated Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen.

“We made a commitment to defend Alberta’s forest sector and this ruling only reinforces our resolve to defend our lumber industry, communities and forestry workers in this unfair dispute.”

Meantime here in British Columbia, the response was somewhat muted?  Or should I say ‘hushed’?    Hmmmm ... no not that either.

THERE WASN’T ONE!  Not One word from Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources, and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson.

And still this morning (Friday), not one words from John Horgan, or the BC government

No surprise because yesterday instead of acknowledging our rights to export BC lumber, fairly marketed to the United States, without illegal tariffs, our Premier was busy cozying up to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as together, they work to undermine and weaken the energy sector of our country.

 

Resource industries are downing in red tape

As if Horgan’s never-ending fight to block ANY energy programs – and Trudeau’s similar action, including Bills C-48 and C-69 – yesterday the two of them continued to bring the hammer down on resources and jobs.

Federal Environment Minister, and Provincial Environment Minister George Heyman, yesterday signed a bilateral agreement to co-operate on project reviews under Canada’s new Impact Assessment Act ... and British Columbia’s new Environmental Assessment Act.

Then they had the audacity to indicate to Canadians ...that the governments of Canada and British Columbia are working together to protect the environment and strengthen the economy.

Strengthen the economy?

What about the tens of thousands of Canadian and British Columbian workers sitting on the sidelines as they continue to be unemployed in what should be a robust resource economy ... and forestry workers watch as mill after mill in rural BC either shuts down permanently, or goes into shift reductions?

I call bullshit on these two sugar-coated statement that basically say we plan to strangle the resource industry in so many rules, regulations, and consultations, that they just give up and move even more of their operations to other countries around the world

“By making the Impact Assessment Act law, the Government of Canada has delivered on an important promise to Canadians – to put in place better rules and restore public trust in how decisions about resource development and other major projects are made. With the guiding principle of ‘one project, one assessment,’ the new impact assessment system will make sure good projects are built in a sustainable way” ~~ Catherine McKenna

We want your input?  Sure, but only if it's what we want to hear

And from George Heyman, our provincials Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy:

“This agreement supports B.C.'s revitalized environmental assessment process. It affirms our commitment to working with our federal counterparts, while retaining our independent decision-making authorities, as we conduct environmental assessments that are efficient, transparent, robust, instil public confidence, respect the rights and knowledge of Indigenous peoples and protect the environment, while offering clear pathways to sustainable project approvals."

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes a ‘wordsmith’ as ... someone who works with words, especially as skillful writer, while the Cambridge Dictionary says they are a person who has skill using words, especially in writing.

It seems to me that the blather above is definitely the work of at last one, probably multiple, wordsmiths.

Look at all of the words noted above in BOLD ... and then tell me how that can possibly offer clear pathways to sustainable project approvals?

There is nothing clear about any kind of pathway to successful resource development, no matter how committed a resource company may be – even with the best of intentions, they will be hamstrung and tied up with never ending reams of rules and pitfalls.

The Trudeaus Liberals must go ... the Horgan NDP must go.  If you don’t agree, I’d sure like to know why.