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Tories favour oil over small business

Dear Editor: In your April 1 story, MPs Laud Budget Cuts, Job Boosts, you quoted North Vancouver MP Andrew Saxton saying: "In order to grow the economy we have to help entrepreneurs and small-and medium-sized businesses.

Dear Editor:

In your April 1 story, MPs Laud Budget Cuts, Job Boosts, you quoted North Vancouver MP Andrew Saxton saying: "In order to grow the economy we have to help entrepreneurs and small-and medium-sized businesses. Those are the large job creators in Canada."

That was an interesting statement for Mr. Saxton to share with you because, in practice, it would appear that he would rather place several small businesses in his riding in the path of oil super tankers, than stand up to Mr. Harper as he tries to fast track the Enbridge Northern Gateway project. Several very successful wilderness tourism companies based in North Vancouver are ignored as we plead for the super tankers not to be allowed along the waterways off B.C.'s Inside Passage.

Travellers and photographers from all over the world come here to see and photograph the soul-stirring landscapes, the spirit bear, grizzly bears and enjoy some of the best whale-watching in the world. They generate millions and millions of dollars and support thousands of jobs. These tourists come for a wilderness experience, yet spend just as much money enjoying Vancouver and many other smaller communities along the way.

If the super tankers come to our coast, these successful wilderness tourism businesses, the jobs they offer, the many spin-off businesses they support, the taxes and park-use permits they pay will all be adversely affected or worse, lost.

Why then, would Mr. Saxton choose not to answer the many calls and emails asking for an appointment with him to discuss the potential destruction of our businesses, small businesses that with no help from government have been growing each year, even in tough economic times? Why can't Mr. Saxton take the time to help us grow the economy?

Trish Boyum, North Vancouver