Pipeline opponents like to denounce people as climate change deniers when they say carbon taxes are useless or Canada shouldn't be bearing the load when we produce a tiny fraction of global emissions, yet they are just as quick to use "fake news" as anybody.
What is interesting in this whole debate is the way Horgan and this government are being described as "pipeline opponents" with an assumption of, "all or nothing" around one single issue. I heard John Horgan speak last week and he seemed to share my concerns.
What I believe:
- Pipelines are necessary
The other options for moving oil are clearly worse.
- What goes into them is important
As Horgan said, we should be refining that oil ourselves which not only creates jobs here (in Alberta or BC), but it is easier to clean up if there is a spill.
- Legal questions are still not settled
Sure, some First Nations have been convinced to support the project, but each and every one of the affected Nations have legal rights that must be respected. As well environmental protection laws and jurisdiction requires clarification.
I agree that we cannot just shut down the flow of oil tomorrow, we need to use what we have to transition in the best way possible.