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Letters: Trudeau’s team are asleep at the environmental wheel

Dear Editor, Fraser Voices sent a brief to the B.C. and federal governments evaluating impacts of a new tunnel/bridge to replace the Massey Tunnel. We insisted an eight-lane tunnel was best, as recommended by all Metro Vancouver mayors.
tunnel

Dear Editor,

Fraser Voices sent a brief to the B.C. and federal governments evaluating impacts of a new tunnel/bridge to replace the Massey Tunnel.

We insisted an eight-lane tunnel was best, as recommended by all Metro Vancouver mayors. It will be less obtrusive, more environmentally acceptable and serves the needs of what must be a more sustainable community south of the river.

In response to that brief, the Trudeau Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) noted that they had no role to play, in that such major projects were the purview of the province. If that was true, this would be a real setback for accountable and transparent environmental protection.

From 1970 to 2010 the federal government led impact studies of most projects in the Fraser Estuary. Unfortunately in 2012, the Harper Conservatives destroyed that environmental protection leadership and despite many promises to restore it, Trudeau’s government seems to be now lost in action.

The federal government has a long list of responsibilities to manage in the estuary including protecting the fish, fish habitat, the fishery, migratory birds and their habitat, refuge lands, species at risk, a national port including land ownership, navigation safety, international airport ownership, etc.

Why has the federal government with all of its responsibilities in protecting and managing our estuary for fish and wildlife, commerce and our quality of life now fallen asleep at the wheel? Trudeau campaigned to reverse the cuts Harper made to our many laws affecting the estuary.

Legislation was restored in 2019 but once again action is lacking. If there is anyone home in the PMO, DFO or Environment Canada, please live up to your responsibilities.

Otto E. Langer

Fisheries biologist

Chair, Fraser Voices Society

RICHMOND