Re: “Promoting LNG undermines B.C. tourism,” comment, Jan. 24.
The arguments put forth in the commentary neglect to address any of the issues faced by First Nations in northern British Columbia, where unemployment is rampant, and the tourism industry offers little promise of that changing.
Before the Sierra Club B.C. writes any more about LNG, I invite them to spend time with the many First Nations that support LNG development. The Haisla have worked closely with LNG Canada, a proposed LNG-export project that would be located in our traditional territory. We have spent a significant amount of time participating in an environmental assessment review process to ensure our concerns about the land we live on and the waters that surround our village would be protected. We are satisfied that LNG Canada has designed its project to address our concerns, and operate with the lowest greenhouse-gas emissions of any large-scale LNG project in the world today.
We see significant employment for our members, access to educational opportunities, and a way forward for a truly independent nation.
Environmental groups should remember to take into account Aboriginal rights and title, the relationship we have to the land and water resources, and our interest in building a future for our people.
We know exactly what we need — the ability to govern ourselves, take care of our families, and ensure our young people have opportunities that allow them to remain in our community and become self-supporting. What we need are well-paying jobs and economic development opportunities.
LNG development has offered that path for the Haisla Nation.
Crystal Smith
Chief councillor
Haisla Nation Council
