Should B.C. increase production and exports of coal to meet growing international demand?
A group of B.C. students says no, and has taken its fight against expansion plans to the Port of Metro Vancouver.
The port has approved a proposal to increase coal exports from North Vancouver’s Neptune terminals, and is considering a similar increase from the Fraser Surrey docks.
The protestors, who call themselves “Kids for Climate Action,” say the port is not listening to public opposition and is ignoring a serious threat to the environment.
They are taking on the biggest B.C. export and one that pumps billions of dollars into our economy.
According to the coal mining association, there are 24 mines in Canada that export 33 million tones of coal each year.
Most of that goes to Asia, specifically Japan and South Korea.
Additionally, the mining association says Canadian coal is particularly desirable because it’s low sulphur and burns cleaner.
“Steel making coal in particular is in everything we touch, so as long as that demand is there and we continue to meet the expectations of the regulatory framework that is place right now, our products will remain to be attractive,” says Karina Brino with the Mining Association of B.C.
The resource is so much in demand the Neptune terminals received approval to increase their exports and there are more increases pending approval at other ports.
That would make Vancouver the largest coal exporter in North America.
“We are doing all sorts of things on the environment front where we have control, but fundamentally it’s about jobs for Canada,” says Duncan Wilson with Port Metro Vancouver.
The protesting students wanted to meet with Port Metro Vancouver’s board to discuss the issue.
Instead, the port offered up Wilson, and the students declined.
“They are making decisions that drastically affect our future, and all we want to do is talk with them,” says Sam Harrison with Kids for Climate Action.
Ultimately the students chose to share their opinions at Canada Place.
The port says they’re listening to climate change concerns, and when Kids for Climate Action wants to talk, there’s room for a discussion.
Comments