Thoughts on BC Politics and More

In previous reports I have referenced many aspects of the Trans Mountain Pipeline project, however one area I have not covered has been about oil tankers. The intent of my report today will be to provide some additional information on this topic.   For the record, there are five types of oil tankers that range in size from the 230-metre-long Panamax class up to the 415-metre-long ULCC class. For a frame of reference, the Exxon Valdez was the second largest VLCC class at 330 metres in length. The tankers involved in the TMX project are the second smallest Aframax size at 245 metres.   For some comparison, the BC Ferries “Spirit” class of vessels are 167 metres long. In terms of capacity, an Aframax tanker can carry up to 750,000 barrels of oil ... meantime the Exxon Valdez VLCC class can carry close to 2,000,000 barrels of oil. In terms of tanker sailings, the completion of the TMX project would result in roughly 34 tanker sailings per month -- curren...

An Ipsos survey conducted last week found a solid majority of British Columbians support the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project. Sponsored by Resource Works, the survey found 60 per cent of British Columbians support the project, while only 29 per cent oppose it. The survey of more than 800 people from across the province conducted June 10 – 14 asked: “ Do you personally support or oppose the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project, which involves building a second pipeline on the existing route between Alberta and Metro Vancouver? ” “ Most British Columbians continue to support this important pipeline project, after evaluating a lot of inflammatory claims. Even the opposition of the BC NDP and local politicians in Vancouver and Burnaby doesn’t seem to have mattered that much. In the end, it is plain to a significant majority that this is a beneficial project ,” said Stewart Muir, Executive Director of Resource Works. “ British Colu...