Going not-so-green
Dear Editor,
Given Prime Minister Carney’s knowledge regarding the dangers of climate change and his experience in climate finance, it’s hard to understand his government’s recommendation to have two LNG projects in BC identified for possible fast-tracking at the Major Projects Office.
LNG, or liquefied natural gas, is mostly methane, a more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. LNG is often marketed as a “clean” fuel, but it is still a fossil fuel which contributes to climate change.
While LNG Phase 2 involves the expansion of LNG Canada’s facility in Kitimat, Ksi Lisims LNG is a new project where a floating terminal would be built in Prince Rupert. After doing some research, I’m especially concerned about Ksi Lisims.
First, although the Nisga’a Nation is considered a partner in Ksi Lisims, many other First Nations are opposed to the project and two have filed for judicial reviews. B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act requires consent from all affected Frist Nations.
Second, Ksi Lisims has no Canadian ownership; it is 100 per cent owned by Western LNG, a Texas-based company whose billionaire investors have financially supported U.S. President Donald Trump. I thought these nation-building projects were supposed to make us less dependent on the US. So much for “elbows up” and protecting Canadian sovereignty!
Third, taxpayers will be expected to subsidize the cost of building Ksi Lisims, along with the costs of the gas pipeline (PRGT) and electricity transmission line needed to support it. British Columbians can expect their hydro and gas costs to increase.
Finally, the economic forecast for LNG is not positive. Many economists are predicting a supply glut of LNG by 2030. LNG projects run the risk of becoming stranded assets.
At this late date in humanity’s efforts to avert the worst damages from climate change, we should be investing in renewable energy and electrification, not more fossil fuel projects.
— Patricia Spencer
Kamloops
More music at the market
Dear Editor,
I would like to congratulate the organizers of the Kamloops Christmas Market for all their work in bringing this family friendly event to our city. I grew up in Germany and have been to various Christmas markets there. The one thing they all have in common is the Christmas music.
Without the music it’s just a market. The music creates the ambiance and sets the holiday mood. This was missing when I attended the Kamloops Christmas Market. It could be added by using something like Spotify over your PA system during the day. To add variety in the evening you might add some carollers. They could sing a song every 30 minutes or so to keep the crowd moving. That way no one will get too cold from standing around.
Kamloops is lucky to have at least a dozen choir groups which entertain us all year round. With enough notice, I think these groups could organize a few carollers for next year.
Thanks again for bringing more joy to our city.
— Sylvia Olson
Kamloops
Charitable donations changes
Dear Editor,
A change to our taxation system can provide increased benefits to the charitable sector and reduce pressures on government funding.
Currently a charitable donation tax credit is 15 percent of the first $250, then 29 percent of the rest. No limit on how much you can donate.
A Federal political donation generates a tax credit of 75 percent of the first $400, 50 percent between $400–$700, and 33.3 percent up to the maximum $1,750. We’re never going to change the advantage politicians give themselves but perhaps we can reduce the gap.
Every charity has staff time dedicated to writing funding proposals. How much more efficient could their staffing be, how much better could they be at their core work, if they spent less time chasing funding dollars?
How much can we reduce pressure on tax dollars by encouraging private donations?
In 2014, 22.4 percent of tax filers donated to charity; in 2022, that number dropped to 17.1, a steady decline over the years. The average donation across Canada was $2,269.46 but if we drop the two highest provinces, that decreases to $2,097.09.
Professionals in the field may pick holes in the details. Regardless, the point stands that whether it’s an increase in the numbers of donors, or a dollar increase from the donors already participating, we have lots of room to improve funding for charitable organizations and reduce pressure on levels of government.
— Tom Rankin
Kamloops
Time for Rustad to go
Dear Editor,
It is time for John Rustad to step aside. It has been eleven years since the last Conservative provincial leadership race. A growing number of provincial Conservative leaders are daring to ask for a leadership race. The issue is no longer “if” but when will John Rustad do the right thing and graciously allow a much-needed leadership race. Only the NDP wins by letting this drag on longer.
This could be a win / win if John Rustad does the right thing and steps down like Kevin Falcon did. If he resigns quickly and graciously, the leadership race could allow a renewed engagement as happened with the federal party leadership race, giving us Pierre Pollievre.
— Rev Dr. Ed Hird
Surrey, BC