Tag Archives: SNC Lavalin

Indigenous Nations History, Politics

Jody Wilson-Raybould tells Ottawa to take responsibility for reconciliation

Warning: This story contains details that may provoke distress or trauma in some readers.

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Jody Wilson-Raybould endured a salvo of emotions as news broke confirming the unmarked graves of 215 children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

The Independent MP for the riding of Vancouver Granville, former justice minister, and member of the We Wai Kai Nation was in her home community on Quadra Island, B.C., when she heard.

The initial surge of incredible sadness was pursued by increasing anger and a fixed sense of frustration.

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Finances, Politics

Why Do the Liberals Push Site C?

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By Roy L Hales

According to a recent report from the University of British Columbia, “Site C has more significant adverse environmental effects than any project ever reviewed under the history of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, including impacts on dozens of species, aquatics, vegetation, wildlife, Aboriginal use of lands and resources, and cultural heritage.” The British Columbian and Canadian governments are most likely breaking treaty #8, which gave local first nations usage of the land that will be submerged. BC Hydro has not properly evaluated less destructive, and far less expensive, alternatives like geothermal energy.  We won’t need the power for decades, if ever.  Why do the Liberals push Site C?

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Transportation

Will the Fraser Surrey Docks Expansion Bring Aerosolized Coal Dust?

Though Port Metro Vancouver is expected to release its final decision about the Fraser Surrey Docks next month, there is little doubt that the proposal will be approved. An estimated four million tonnes per year of thermal coal will soon be coming up from the US. Will the Fraser Surrey Docks Expansion Bring Aerosolized Coal Dust?

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Environment

SNC Lavelin Hired for Health Assessment of Proposed Surrey Fraser Docks Coal Terminal

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By Roy L Hales

Port Metro Vancouver will not make a final decision about the Surrey Fraser Docks’ application to build a Direct Transfer Facility until June. According to Tim Blair, Senior Planner of Port Metro Vancouver, they are waiting for Surrey Fraser  Docks to submit a health assessment. One has to wonder if it is not a foregone conclusion. Blair said that SNC Lavelin, the same company that prepared the proposed coal facility’s Environmental Impact Statement, was retained for the health assessment.

In their original report, SNC Lavelin stated the proposed terminal would “not likely cause significant adverse effects to the environment or human health.”

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Environment, Finances

Burnaby’s Mayor Compares BC To a Banana Republic

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By Roy L Hales

The coal terminals in BC’s Lower Mainland are being enlarged to handle a great deal more cargo. The capacity of Neptune Terminals, in North Vancouver, has doubled. Westshore Terminals, in Delta, has applied to make a $230 million “upgrade.” It has yet to be seen if a new coal terminal will go in at Fraser Surrey Docks. Just before Burnaby’s council passed a resolution showing their opposition to the proposal, Mayor Derek Corrigan commented that BC is turning into a Banana Republic.

“Over and over again we decisions being made by bodies who are not independent,” said Mayor Corrigan. “Port Metro Vancouver is conducting this environmental assessment. The Majority of Directors on Port Metro Vancouver are appointed by the very companies that stand to economically benefit from these decisions. And so here you have a Board of Directors, appointed by the companies that us in charge of the environmental assessment to determine if they are going to make more money.”

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