Dear editor,
During provincial Jobs Minister Pat Bell’s recent visit to the Comox Valley, he outlined several core business sectors which could offer opportunities to the Comox Valley.
Tourism, agriculture, and international education were identified as having possible benefits to the Comox Valley.
When it comes to mining as a core business sector, Minister Bell acknowledged that “Mining could be sensitive in some areas,” and defended the environmental assessment process, calling it “robust.”
With the proposed Raven Coal Mine being “the elephant in the room,” Minister Bell along with Minister Don McRae continue to tap dance around this important local issue.
Despite concerns and opposition regarding the proposed Raven Coal Mine from local First Nations, shellfish growers, and the residents of the Comox Valley, it seems as though Minister Bell and Minister McRae are turning a deaf ear towards the concerns over the coal mine issue.
It’s time that this provincial government realize that their cookie cutter “one size fits all” approach to job development isn’t a good fit for British Columbians or the Comox Valley.
I’d like to have them explain how a new coal mine fits in with the future of tourism, agriculture and the shellfish industry in the Comox Valley.
John Snyder,
Fanny Bay