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Letters to the editor for the week of June 26th

We can all pitch in! In response to last week's article, "Adopt-a-Highway back in action in Whistler" ( Pique June 19), it is of course... wonderful news.
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We can all pitch in!

In response to last week's article, "Adopt-a-Highway back in action in Whistler" (Pique June 19), it is of course... wonderful news. But a quick reminder to Whistlerites — anyone, not just participants in this program, can get out and pick up litter and make our little slice of paradise that much nicer.

It doesn't have to be only on an annual organized basis!

Walking the dog? Strolling with the kids? Bring along a bag and pitch in!

I propose a contest between neighbourhoods. Which can be the most litter free?

My bets are on Alpine — care to prove me wrong?

Kate Turner

Whistler

We all need to save the bears

I was very upset to read about another bear killing in our community (Pique June 19). It stated that the young bear had learned to access homes from his mother. I am just curious though (as the story states) the mother and her three cubs were relocated to Chance Creek in 2012.

So before these bears made it back up to Whistler, they would have had to come through, or near, the developments of Pinecrest Estates (where there are 75 homes) and Black Tusk Village (where there are 96 homes).

And yet we never had one incident in regards to bear problems. We are fortunate to see the bears living in their natural environment when we are out walking, hiking and biking.

However, they have not caused any problems in and around our homes.

So wake up people. Once again, this isn't a bear issue, it's a people issue. Clean up your act folks, I'm getting really tired of reading about bears being killed. As Sylvia Dolson says, the intuitive knowledge in our hearts allows us to know bears as gentle and magnificent beings.

Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved as Jane Goodall said.

Please help save the bears!

Bobbi Sandkuhl

Whistler

Voting green is valuable

I read the latest G. D. Maxwell column (Maxed Out, Pique June 19) and enjoyed it, as I often do. How to fit on only one page the amount of things that are wrong with the current governments?

I especially liked the parrot dig. Remember, however, that parrots come in blue, red, and also orange.

The one thing I disagreed with is the comment that a vote for green is a vote for blue. Although there are green parrots, the policies they stand for seem closer in line with a large percentage of the fed-up people I have talked to, and the opinions I have read over the years on the last page.

I have voted green every chance I have had since their start in 1984. When I vote green I don't expect that they will be elected or that my vote is spoiling another party's chances, that's not the point. The point is to vote my conscience and sway other parties to adopt a greener outlook (which they have).

The Green Party has been accused of splitting the vote by every colour of parrot, but here is the real vote splitter, the nearly half of Canadians that don't vote.

Elizabeth May got elected with about 14 per cent more voter turnout in her riding compared to the national average, I am guessing that the rest of the couch potatoes would also not have voted blue. Tommy Douglas once noted that mice voters being ruled by different colour cats get fed up in the end and tried to elect a mouse.

Cats, parrots, same thing.

Just for the sake of argument imagine a green belt connecting B.C. to Washington to Colorado and beyond.

Just putting this out there, every time you are at a protest for this, that or the other thing, ask your neighbour if they voted. If the answer is no, take away their sign and send them packing. It is easier to bring about change by voting than by complaining. Don't blame the Green Party for the demise of democracy in this country because remember, "Soylent Green is people!"

Now let's have a big enthusiastic welcome for the federal election carnival coming soon to all towns near you.

Rob Neaga

Squamish 

Canada should learn from Norway on oil

It felt like the recent letter from our MP John Weston (Pique, June 12) was an attempt to soften up the constituents who were not in favour of the inevitable approval of the Northern Gateway pipeline. And sure enough it was.

I agree with Mr. Weston's remarks that the ongoing national conversation about large-scale energy projects is broader than just Enbridge's Northern Gateway project, and should include Kinder Morgan's pipeline expansion, and LNGs. Problem is, it's a one-way conversation that says yes to large scale fossil fuel projects, regardless of the wishes of Canadians.

I further agree with his statement that, "the decisions we Canadians make now will open doors, create opportunities, and shape Canada for generations." My concern is that those doors will open only to a handful of boardrooms belonging to multinational oil companies and the national oil companies of foreign governments, thereby hobbling future generations.  

We lack a coherent national energy strategy. Of the top ten oil-producing nations, only Canada and the U.S. are without a state-owned petroleum company. Ottawa relinquished control of energy resources to the provinces years ago, and they race to the bottom to compete for investment. Oil-rich Alberta has run a deficit since 2008. How is that possible? By comparison, Norway, which essentially dictates its terms to the oil companies and charges them much higher taxes, paid to its citizens over $46 per barrel of oil equivalent (BOE) in 2012. In the U.K. taxpayers realized just over $20 per BOE they produced in 2012.

Canadians for the same year? Less than one fifth that of Norway, $9. Thanks to its management of the resource, Norway is not only debt free, but has $900 billion in the bank.

We produce far more oil than Norway, yet we are more than $600 billion in debt. Thanks to our "management."  

By Mr. Weston's words, he would not approve the Northern Gateway if it were not safe for Canadians or the environment to do so. In a letter from hundreds of scientists recently delivered to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, they declared the conclusions of the Joint Panel Review to be indefensible due to critical mistakes. Among the flaws: omitting environmental impacts of ramped up bitumen production (climate change); dependence on not-as-yet developed mitigation measures (spill management); and reliance on information provided solely by proponent Enbridge. This is the expertise the Conservative government looked to for its resolution on Northern Gateway.

Mr. Weston also cited $3 billion as being spent by Ottawa since 2006 on climate change and reducing air pollution. This is really just a taxpayer subsidy of an external cost.

The International Monetary Fund (the farthest thing from a radical left-wing group) estimates that Canada subsidizes energy producers with at least $34 billion each year in direct support and uncollected tax on externalized costs.

The research Canadians are paying for to develop the world-class tankers and pipelines that Mr. Weston mentions could be included in that incredible subsidy figure, along with slick advertising, and spill clean-up costs too.

Kinder Morgan's lengthy application to triple the capacity of its pipeline to Burrard Inlet mentions the "business and employment opportunities" that spills create. With about 30 reported pipeline incidents per year since incorporating in 1997, they ought to know.

Enbridge's reports show that its pipelines averaged more than 60 spills a year between 1999 and 2010. So grab a HAZMAT suit and come on down to the beach for a job de-tarring animals and rocks!

If, as Mr. Weston states, his government sought a resolution in the overall best interest of our country, then why would they approve Northern Gateway? This short-sighted thinking is more concerned with what is best for a few privately and state-owned oil companies, rather than the long-term economic and environmental best interests of Canadians.

Oil and gas companies don't have our national interest at heart. They're not supposed to. I believe Mr. Weston and Mr. Harper's mindset is that oil execs know better how to run our affairs because they make more money than we do, (and can facilitate their re-elections?). So let's just hand them the keys to the vault!   

Like the majority of British Columbians, I had hoped that MP Weston, and his Harper government, would muster the intellect and emotion needed to begin challenging the structures of the status quo, which increasingly privatize profits and socialize costs. But I knew they wouldn't.  

Neil Brown

Whistler

Time to listen to the voters

Re: "Northern Gateway Approval" letter to the editor, Pique, on June 12 — MP John Weston goes to great lengths to defend the review process for the Northern Gateway pipeline, no doubt in anticipation of having to defend this project to constituents who are opposed it.

Mr. Weston omitted some key details, especially the fact that the Review Panel failed to provide its reasoning behind its conditional approval of the project. This is critical because a very significant amount of expert/academic testimony before the panel completely contradicted the final decision of the panel, to the point that a number of lawsuits have been filed by those experts claiming their testimony, and research, was largely ignored.

For example, the panel stated the chance of an oil spill was "unlikely" despite even the provincial government saying that it could not support this project partly because the chance of a spill was considerable.

In another case, academics warned that the endangered woodland caribou, and marine birds, would be significantly impacted by the pipeline and tanker traffic, yet the panel stated the project would have "no adverse effects."

The public will never know how the panel arrived at its decision, which is the polar opposite of the transparency that the Conservatives have been bragging about. And now the Conservatives will use the deeply flawed panel approval of the pipeline, albeit with over 200 conditions, as the justification for ramming this through against the objections of a majority of B.C. residents.

Canadians, and especially British Columbians, deserve better from their government and member of parliament.

Mr. Weston, you were elected to represent your constituent's interests and they along with other B.C. residents have spoken loud and clear about Northern Gateway – No!

David Thomson

Whistler

MP's letter was just party line

John Weston's letter in both papers (Pique June 12, and Question June 10) contained a lot of fluff. Every bit of it Prime Minister Stephen Harper's party line of course. Disappointing but hardly surprising.

Mr. Weston writes with pride about the 1,450 people who spoke and the 9,000 letters written to the Joint Review Panel hearings last year concerning Northern Gateway. Lots of communication. What he doesn't mention is that 96 per cent of them spoke/wrote against Northern Gateway (Forest Ethics website). The panel approved it anyway.

Mr. Weston lauds Harper's government's investment in renewable fuels, addressing climate change, and pollution. The fact is Canada came dead last in a global ranking for environment protection by Washington's Center for Global Development. That's 27th out of 27 wealthy countries (Globe and Mail, Nov. 8, 2013). Canada is falling behind because the Harper government is stuck in a time warp without any vision of change for the future.

Mr. Weston writes that the fossil fuel resource industry (LNG, Kinder Morgan, Northern Gateway, etc.) will provide opportunities "for generations." Does he really think human progress and innovation will cease because the Harper government believes our future will remain unchanged from today? Same gas guzzlers, same digging dirty oil out of vast tracts of land, same fracking, with no adverse climate change, for our children and our children's children?

Recently the Globe and Mail carried two articles — the first concerned a letter signed by three hundred scientists urging Harper to reject the Northern Gateway project, as the Joint Panel Review failed to explain how the benefits outweigh serious risks and ignored global warming concerns, the second concerned a letter signed by forty past and present politicians (of a certain political stripe) and "business leaders" (including the head of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers) encouraging Harper to approve the Northern Gateway Project.

Mmmm, such a dilemma. Who to believe — 300 scientists, or 40 businessmen and politicians?

Jane Reid

Whistler

A big booming thanks!

The Point Artist-Run Centre would like to thank everybody in the community who supported our fundraiser, Boom! Whistler's Boomers and Echoes Recall the Bad Old Days on Saturday, June 7.

The many comments we received that the event captured the spirit of an earlier time in Whistler while bringing it into a contemporary context were gratifying to hear. This year we raised double the funds from previous years, which will support our children's summer art camps, adult workshops, the Flag Stop Theatre & Arts Festival, and the Cypress Point Winter Carnival.

Thanks to all who attended, to the Doc Fingers Band, Michele Bush and her team in the kitchen, and all of the Point volunteers and artists who donated their time and work.

The fundraiser wouldn't have been such a success without the many businesses and individuals who donated auction items: Awesome Arts Academy, Dubh Linn Gate, Nk'Mip, Whistler Film Festival, Lisa Geddes, Armchair Books, Whistler Blackcomb, Marcelle Armatage, Bearfoot Bistro, Russell Brewing, Steeped Tea, Delta Whistler, Whistler BrewHouse, Peak Performance, Helly Hansen, Hy's Steakhouse, Southside Diner, The Longhorn, The Keg, Tapley's Pub, GLC, Hilton Whistler, Gibbons Hospitality, Source for Sports, Schramm Vodka, Vincent Massey, Alpine Esthetics, Whistler Eco Tours, Canadian Wilderness Adventures, and Escape Route.

Special thanks to our ongoing event sponsors, Nesters Market and Whistler Brewing Company.

And while we're at it, we'd like to extend a huge thank you to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation for granting The Point Artist-Run Centre the funds to purchase a marquee tent to be used for outdoor theatre during the Flag Stop Theatre & Arts Festival, and many other events in the future. We're lucky to be part of such a supportive town.

We look forward to seeing you this summer at Saturdays at The Point starting July 5!

Stephen Vogler

Artistic Director, The Point Artist-Run Centre

Multicultural festival success

The Whistler Multicultural Festival is over for another year! Luckily the rain held off as we enjoyed another afternoon of multicultural activities.

Florence Petersen Park was the perfect place for our family-friendly festival, for locals, by locals and we are honoured to hold the first community event in that new space.

This year, the Whistler Multicultural Network (WMN) wanted to build on the foundation we created in 2013, to create a festival that truly celebrates the immigrant communities of Whistler and we were happy to see so many families, children and newcomers participating.

The activities, crafts and performances were all suggested by local immigrants; people who live, work and raise their families in Whistler. We would especially like to thank the WMN Advisory Board for its input, advice and support over the past few months and to acknowledge the support the RMOW has shown the festival through our partnerships with Whistler Public Library and the Whistler Museum. Their support in helping us realize our vision was invaluable, and we hope to work together for many years to come.

Thank you to our other sponsors and partners for their support of the festival; the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, Whistler Blackcomb, Watermark, IGA, the Whistler Arts Council and our food vendors, the Mexican Corner, the Tandoori Grill and The Pie Company.

Finally, it has to be said that without our volunteers the festival would not happen. Thank you to Adriana, Aki, Alex, Ann, Barbora, Brian, Catherine, Chi, Daniel, Eliseo, Eric, Hideo, Iku, Jack, Jan, Jowel, Junko, Laura, Margie, Marie, Martin, Mary-Catherine, Michael, Miki, Nancy, Paulo, Rushdy, Suzie, Tamako, Tomoro, Toshi, Veronika, Yuko, Yuri, the Library Board team and staff, all the performers. We truly appreciate everything you do for the WMN.

Lana Lutke

Outreach worker on behalf of WMN

Plant sale thanks

The Friends' of the Library would like to thank everyone who helped to make our "Giant Plant Sale" fundraiser a huge success.

Every spring we sort and bundle bulbs, scrounge for more plants, and grow herb and salad pots. Gardening in a ski resort can be a challenge, but the sun shone, and our tables were loaded and you came out and supported us.

Thank you Whistler — a total of $2,800 was raised.

We would like to acknowledge all the people who made this happen. Thank you, Bruce Stewart of Nesters for the flats of annuals, Out on a Limb for mountains of tulip bulbs, Paul Beswetherick of the Whistler municipality for every year donating bulbs, Sea to Sky Soils for donating the soil amendment, and Starbucks for providing coffee service

Also thanks to Jim Cooke, representing the Whistler greenhouse project and Julia Smith, horticulturist with Out on a Limb — for sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for gardening.

And then there are the volunteers. Thank you for all your hard work and planning. You are the reason why we get better every year: Susan and Gord Annard, Christy and Richard Auer, Gay Cluer, Janet and Mike Jean, Linda Jones, Susan, Heather Mathews, Jessie and Jack Pendygrasse, Lori Pyne, Moe Richmond, Julia Smith, Kris Shoup, Nadine White, Bev Wood, the mystery donator of the heirloom tomatoes, and Lilian Goldsmid and Betty McWinnie in spirit — all great "Friends of the Library." Thank you.

The Friends of the Library meets every third Wednesday at 4 p.m., September to June, in the Whistler Public Library community room.

Christy Auer

Whistler

PVTA fundraiser thank you

On June 14 we gathered the trail users of Pemberton for the annual Pemberton Valley Trails Association fundraiser, and raised almost $7,000 for construction of a trail in memory of Rudy Roszypalek.

The evening was a great reminder of the diversity and passion of PVTA members and the Pemberton community. The PVTA board of directors would like to express our thanks to all who attended.

In addition to attendees, there are a variety of businesses and individuals who deserve mention for their contributions to the event's success. Thank you to the Pemberton Legion for being gracious hosts. Bill Stiles proved that he has a remarkable ability to mobilize community donors. The directors of the PVTA were generous with their time and support in organizing the event.

Fundraising for our trails would be impossible without the support of our local businesses. I encourage you to let donors know that you personally appreciate their dedication to maintaining and building trails in the Pemberton valley. Thank you to Arbutus Routes, Bike Pirate, BikeCo, Blackbird Bakery, Canadian Wilderness Adventures, Can-Ski, Cheetah Factory Racing, Chromag, Dissent, DJ Cookie, Drumkeeran House, Evolution, FanatykCo, Fineline, Foon Skis, Fusa Jewelery, Garbanzo Bike and Bean, Inline Physiotherapy and Bike-fitting, It's a Dog's Life, Kula Wellness, Laughing Crow Organics, Lordco Whistler, Mile One Eating House, Mount Currie Coffee Company, Nimby 50, Oakley Canada, One Mile SUP, Pemberton Distillery, Pemberton Soaring Centre, Pemberton Valley Coffee Company, Pemberton Valley Supermarket, Pemberton Wellness, Performex, Rossignol Canada, Skiis and Biikes, Solfeggio, Spud Valley Sporting Goods, Sweet Skills Mtb Coaching, Tadasana Yoga, The Adventure Group, Tyax Adventures, Tyax Wilderness Resort and Spa, Valley Chainsaw, Vanessa Stark Art, Volkl Canada, Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and Whistler Resort Management.

Rudy's Trail will create a hiker and biker friendly loop with incredible views of Mount Currie, Lillooet Lake, and the upper valley.  Construction of the trail begins this fall and there will be multiple volunteer opportunities available.

See you on the trails,

Ian Kruger

Pemberton