The provincial government has withheld support for Kinder Morgan’s plan to triple the volume of bitumen being shipped through B.C. to the shores of Burrard Inlet.
It was surprising to some, perhaps, to see a government that is bullish on natural resource extraction nix this major project. Of course, the Kinder Morgan plan would not deal with B.C. resources; it would transport Alberta bitumen through this province to the Pacific – with the possibility for land or ocean spills, the potential for either of which is at the root of opposition.
The province had set out five conditions for supporting the project.
So, this does not mean the project is dead or the province will continue to withhold support. The door has been left open for Kinder Morgan to up its game and, crucially, it is the National Energy Board that will decide whether it can proceed.
Kinder Morgan has said that ensuring success on issues like First Nations inclusion, B.C. getting its fair share and environmental protection require multiple parties to hash it out; that it is not solely its responsibility to make these happen.
Meanwhile, at least one trade group is trying to build something like a grassroots movement in favour of the project.
The Independent Contractors and Business Association of B.C. has started a campaign supporting the project, with social media posts asking: “Tired of a small group of vocal protesters hurting BC’s economy?”
It seems a stretch to imply that “a small group of vocal protesters” is standing in the way of the project. Kinder Morgan has its work cut out for it to convince British Columbians at large, as well as our government, that the project is safe, worthy and valuable. If they can leap that hurdle, good on them.
But their industry allies could use a change of strategy.
West Coasters have a long history of vocal protesting. It’s almost as much a source of pride as our province’s natural beauty.
Best not attack a characteristic we take almost as part of our DNA, especially since the industry seems to have woken up to the idea that they would do well to rouse their own small group of vocal protesters.
Perhaps they could also recall the old chestnut from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
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