Re: "British Columbians want the pipeline," Sept. 16.
We were disappointed to read this letter, as it misrepresents the work of Tides Canada.
Long before the controversy over the proposed Enbridge pipeline, Tides Canada was working with First Nations, forest companies, environmental groups, and all levels of government to support a healthy environment and healthy economy in the Great Bear Rainforest, part of the largest intact temperate rainforest on the planet.
The writer implies that $28 million of the $56 million we granted between 2008 and 2010 was to support anti-Enbridge work by First Nations and environmental groups. In reality, this funding was for a joint project with the Harper government and the Province of B.C. to support conservation management and sustainable economic development on the B.C. coast.
Many Canadians are raising legitimate concerns about the environmental implications of the proposed Enbridge pipeline. Whether you agree or disagree with their perspective, in a healthy democracy all voices should be heard.
In 2011, we spent about $600,000 on issues related to the oil sands and pipelines. That's just three per cent of our total grants and project expenditures. We also have a solutions-oriented clean energy initiative, working in partnership with a wide range of communities, businesses and governments.
Ross McMillan President and CEO, Tides Canada
Vancouver
