Making some political hay in the rainforest

Much as we’d like to think that our local issue is of the utmost importance to the powers that be, we somehow suspect that Paul Martin, Stephen Harper and even Jack Layton probably have more pressing matters this weekend.

However, that didn’t stop the local candidates from making the container port controversy one of the hot button issues in the last days of the campaign. Of course an issue like this, gives each party the opportunity to paint the other as incompetent on the file and not worthy of trust to continue with it. And there was no shortage of such comments made on Thursday.

Below we offer up the Daily News recap of the container port portion of the candidate’s debate, podunkicized for your educational benefit.


PORT A HOT ELECTION ISSUE

Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Friday, January 20, 2006
Story appeared on Pages 1 and 2

Concerns about a lack of consultation by the federal government around the container port has worked its way up the Conservative ladder. While standing next to leader Stephen Harper this morning, Conservative Party campaign co-chair John Reynolds told The Daily News by phone that if First Nations have been insulted by the fact the Liberals didn’t enter the negotiating process until October, the Conservatives will apologize and get back to the negotiating table immediately.

“It’s unfortunate the Liberals because of their arrogance didn’t meet with First Nations as they should have done.” He said, during an interview from Ontario where he’s touring with the Conservative leader.

From his experience as a former B. C. MP, he said First Nations people are usually interested in what’s best for the whole community and the Conservatives will make it a priority to continue an immediate dialogue.

The port was also a hot topic at last night’s election forum, with Conservative candidate Mike Scott promising his party will ensure the container port project doesn’t fall through the cracks.

New Democrat Nathan Cullen pledged to visit Port Simpson today to sit down for discussions about the recent turmoil surrounding the project.

The forum, hosted by the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce, included a panel of community representatives that asked two questions each and, while none of them asked directly about the injunction filed by Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla against the container project, the issue continually reared its head throughout the evening.

“A Conservative government will not let the container port fall through the cracks. We will ensure it gets built and it gets built with speed – whatever has to be done,” said Scott.

“We don’t know what’s occurred behind the scenes with negotiations, so certainly if we form a government this will be our first priority, my personal first priority the day after the election.”

Cullen described the threat of the injunction as “a little bit of a snag” and committed to visiting the community today to see what could be done.

“I will go to Lax Kw’alaams (today), talk to the First Nations there and begin the process of resolving this dispute because I ultimately am an optimist, I believe things are possible.” He said.

Liberal candidate Gordon Stamp-Vincent said now is the time for cooler heads to prevail.

“This is not the time for inflamed or inflated rhetoric,” said Stamp-Vincent. “In a situation such as this, you have an opportunity to see how your future MP would conduct himself and each has a very different style.”

Following the forum, Scott said Cullen’s visit to Lax Kw’alaams was window dressing and an attempt to capitalize on a serious situation.

“I wish Mr. Cullen had started dealing with this back in October when he became aware of the problem.” He said. “This is a serious situation, we can’t afford to misstep.”

“People are saying on hone hand Mr. Cullen suggests he’s responsible for the port and on the other hand, if he was involved with the port, why is he only going to Lax Kw’alaams now,” said Scott.

Meanwhile, Stamp-Vincent questioned Cullen’s involvement in the port project.

“He likes to take credit for the port, when things go well, he’s right there. When they go bad, he needs to take responsibility.”

He added that if Cullen’s up to speed on First Nation’s talks, what talks did he have to get up to speed on with Transport Canada.

“If he’s going to take credit, it’s a two edged sword,” he said.

Stamp-Vincent noted the Liberals actually put forward the funds for the port project as well as brought forward the $500 million Pacific Gateway Initiative.

“: We do need negotiations to get this resolved and we need to get it resolved quickly. It’s always about balance, about keeping the communications line open, about always talking,” Stamp-Vincent said.

Cullen said the Conservatives by saying they will ensure the port will go ahead, are trying to pick a fight with First Nations while what is needed is dialogue. As for concern that a delay might kill the project, Cullen said he would bring the parties together as soon as possible to discuss the problem.

Another critical situation presented to the candidates was the issue of employment and problems with access to employment insurance.

The Green Party’s Phil Brienesse said with the container port development, there’s a chance to use logs currently being exported in a raw state for value-added industries.

“You can’t have a large amount of dignity when you are on EI.”
Rod Taylor, candidate for the Christian Heritage Party (CHP) said his party advocates a massive infrastructure renewal program with interest-free loans from the Bank of Canada for municipalities. Under this program, the province, federal government, First Nations and Crown Corporations could being renewing and developing infrastructure, which in turn would provide jobs and kick start the economy.

Cullen said the EI fund needs to be fixed so hours don’t fluctuate and the $50 billion is used for its original purpose; helping people.

Stamp-Vincent said he would change EI so the Prince Rupert’s rate, which applies to fishermen and shore workers, is not tied to the rates of unemployment across Northern B. C.

“The shore workers are really tied to a totally different type of industry – it’s tied to government management, it’s tied to a resource that is prone to collapse from time to time through either mis-management or because of the cyclical nature of stocks,” he said. Government also needs and enhancement and stabilization process for fishermen, deckhands and shore workers.

Mike Scott said in other parts of the country when disasters occur in the grain industry or cattle industry government responds.

“We step in and we help because the Canadian way. But when it comes to fisheries in British Columbia, shore workers and their communities seem to be forgotten,” he said.

“I will guarantee you I will do what I can to bring some justice and some fairness – to the people of Prince Rupert. This is not a handout. This is help for people who really need it for the collapse of the fishery through no fault of their own.”