Local BC Green candidate Jeremy Valeriote ‘dismayed’ by EAO order on WLNG floatel

Jeremy Valeriote, environmental engineer and BC Green Party candidate for West Vancouver – Sea to Sky has issued a statement on the provincial Environmental Assessment Office’s (EAO) decision to order Woodfibre LNG workers to be housed on the “floatel”.

Below is the statement he issued:

“I’m dismayed by the EAO’s order, and Woodfibre LNG’s swift and cynical decision to ditch their Temporary Use Permit (TUP) application for the floatel. The EAO and Woodfibre, together with the apparent consent of the NDP government, have undermined the good-faith efforts of Squamish’s elected council to safeguard the interests of communities, and ensure that the floatel is safe to operate in Átl’ḵa7tsem Howe Sound. Many questions remain to be answered. It is imperative that the NDP government explains the EAO’s decisions – and consequences – to the residents of Squamish.

Ministers should immediately explain what discussions took place between Woodfibre representatives and provincial officials. Was the EAO order designed to stop the floatel TUP application, effectively taking away Squamish Council’s lawful land use and planning responsibilities? There are questions over the legality of an EAO enforcement officer overriding the authority of an elected council. Are BC government ministers – who do have the power to overrule municipal government – hiding behind bureaucrats?

What are people to make of this? That the EAO has intervened on behalf of a big, foreign fossil fuel company and its business interests, rather than on behalf of the community of Squamish, and its strong desire to protect the environment, and health and wellbeing. That ministers and bureaucrats colluded with Woodfibre to subvert legitimate local oversight? That the public consultation – which saw hundreds of local residents step up to ask questions and express their concerns – was a sham? That senior levels of government can just do what they want? The provincial government must take this opportunity to provide answers and transparency. Failing to do so only breeds cynicism, undermines democracy and showcases government at its worst.”