I read the April 16 Cheers and Jeers editorial and was once again reminded that many dark clouds have silver linings. Yes, I cheer the community involvement that was demonstrated by the large numbers of people that showed up to testify against the proposed largest oil terminal in North America, but there is a dark side as well.
First, the port staff recommended denying the extension of the lease. This gave heart to those opposing this project, then the announcement that the Port of Vancouver commissioners wanted to have a hearing for input from the public that they represent. Further heartened, I attended and gave testimony against extending the lease, as did a huge majority of those that spoke. I thought I was seeing democracy at its best — elected officials seeking to hear what their constituency wanted. Then the ball dropped. Despite the overwhelming evidence and testimony opposing the lease extension, our elected commissioners voted to extend the lease until March 2017.
Commissioner Eric LaBrant worked hard to amend the counter-proposal but was outvoted two to one. The best he was able to get accepted was restricting exports to domestic ports, even though its legality is doubtful.
Does the word “sham” come to mind?
