Province seeks to make the most out of the Pacific Gateway

Friday's Daily News featured details of the British Columbia Liberal Government's Speech from the Throne, which provided a few nuggets of information for the Northwest.

As we detailed on Podunk on Tuesday, the government has desires for an increased role for the Port of Prince Rupert with an eye towards expansion to phase two and beyond, as well as plans to develop an energy corridor between Prince Rupert an Prince George.

Friday's paper outlined more of those plans, including the reaction to the governments blue print from local MLA Gary Coons.

Province putting all its energy behind Phase Two
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Friday, February 15, 2008
Pages one and three

The provincial government is promising to focus on developing a new energy corridor between Prince Rupert and Prince George, as well as Phase Two of the Fairview Container Terminal in its upcoming sitting.

In the speech from the throne earlier this week, the Honourable Lieutenant-Governor Steven L. Point spoke about the Liberal priorities for the coming legislative session.

"Working together, we are opening new doors for progress. A new northern energy corridor from Prince Rupert to Prince George will also be pursued. That alone holds the potential for billions of dollars in new investment that will create new high-paying jobs for the North," he said.
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"The Port of Prince Rupert is revitalizing northern and rural economies and creating a powerful platform for future development. The next phase of that port development will be pursued, in co-operation with First Nations and the federal government.

"Working with the federal government, a new integrated Pacific Ports Strategy will also be developed, to make the most of Canada's Pacific Gateway."

Other highlights from the speech include a new climate change action plan and reform of aspects of health care.

North Coast MLA Gary Coons said he is looking forward to hearing more details on the announcements in next week's provincial budget.

"I was very interested in the statement that this government will 'pursue a northern energy corridor' and will 'pursue the next phase of Prince Rupert port'. This promise should show up in the budget speech with as significant commitment to funding it," said Coons.

He noted that for many months a lot of people have questioned the $11 billion Gateway project in the Lower Mainland and how this will benefit those in the North.

"The push for Delta port is not in the best interest of the environment (there will be thousands of additional trucks) and is not wanted by many in the Delta region," he said.

Coons added he still has questions about the premier's statement from 18 months ago, that any First Nations concerns regarding consultation and accommodation are a federal matter.

"I found this unacceptable then and hope there is truth behind the promise in the throne speech. We need immediate meaningful consultation and accommodation so we can fully move forward to be the best port we can be," he said.

There was also a number of issues not dealt with in the speech that were of concern to Coons.
There was no mention of alleviating child poverty, even though B.C. is in first place for the fourth straight year in Canada, "except for some slogans and rhetoric," he said. And there was the talk of downloading the issue of mental health and addictions to local municipalities because communities must address the issue their community plan.

Overall, he said there seemed to be nothing in the throne speech to make life more affordable for average families, with higher hydro rates, higher costs for health care, transit and for ferries all in the future.