Pipeline needed for post-outbreak recovery
Re: “Group of First Nations want Supreme Court to hear appeal on Trans Mountain,” April 7.
A group of First Nations wants to challenge the federal government’s second approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project. The Squamish Nation is one of the groups and expresses concern that a seven-fold increase in tanker traffic poses too significant a risk to its traditional territory.
A seven-fold increase amounts to only one vessel per day if and when the pipeline reaches full capacity and if and when there is a market for the oil. The federal government is proceeding with the pipeline because of its huge benefit to the Canadian economy and because of the critical need to have an outlet which is not dependent upon the United States.
The Squamish Nation is developing an LNG project that will transport the LNG through the same shipping corridor. Should they not have the same level of concern for that traffic? The pipeline jobs are desperately needed at this time and the pipeline will be desperately needed to claw us out of the recession that will be upon us.
I urge First Nations to not further appeal the decision to proceed and instead share the benefits the project will provide.
Fred Greeves
Chemainus
Newspaper connection to outside world
In addition to all the well-deserving recipients of our daily gratitude and admiration, we also thank you, Dave Obee, as well as your co-editors, staff, printers and deliverers of the Times Colonist, for your continuing devotion in providing us with essential news coverage, simple connection to the outside world (especially for those of us who are self-isolating), and the huge effort you and your partnering agencies have expended in undertaking the Rapid Relief Fund project. Blessings upon you!
Julie Hughes
East Sooke
At-home caregivers need support
I haven’t seen or heard anything about the plight of those caring for a loved one at home. Many are elderly, some in frail health. Many of the supports they rely to keep going have been cancelled, or severely restricted — ie. adult daycare, respite care, personal care for the loved one, and support groups.
Everything falls on their shoulders again. Who will notice, or step in if the caregiver gets sick, or collapses — physically, or emotionally?
Joan Hoye
Ladysmith
Smiling a salve for the soul in dark times
You can’t catch the COVID-19 virus from making eye contact and smiling but it can make you feel a whole lot better.
Mike Holt
Victoria
The rich have a stake in public health system
Re: “Comment: Canada among world’s least prepared for COVID-19,” Gwyn Morgan, April 3.
The reason that our health-care system, with all its limitations, is as good as it is, is that the wealthy and politically influential must share it with the rest of us and consequently have a stake in it.
If these folks were able to pay for separate luxury health care as in the U.S., I would expect health care for the rest of us to rapidly deteriorate.
Joel Newman
Victoria
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