B.C. opposition to oil supertankers outweighs support 3:1

I think the survey has to be of a lot more than 611 people to gain much credibility. Add 2 zeroes at least.

I suggest taking a course in survey and statistics. Not only are these polls as accurate as they clame, but the Feds use survey groups this size all the time, without telling you how big a group was surveyed.

Unfortunatly, you don't understand statistics. If a sample is truly random. Asking only 20 people is statistically significant. 611 is 30 times the number of people needed to get a statistically valid result. Anyone who hates the results always asks for a bigger sample. The result will be the same. Sorry.

I think a sample of 611 sounds adequate. And in fact, the 'pollsters' last May were breaking down regions of Canada based on numbers like 90 people and suggesting where party support was. That gave them margins of error of up to 14%, which is off the wall crazy.

Anyone I talk to is against this. I haven't come across 1 person who believes this is a good idea. In this time of environmental devastation, how can we even be having this debate?

I appreciate hearing the findings, specifically that if people had more information they would respond with greater surety and in opposition of the
proposed pipeline.This gives me greater hope that we can stop it.
Thank you for this information.

It's greatly to the credit of British Columbians that they oppose this catastrophic idea. As a Native American shaman, I feel white Canadians can feel the Earth's needs just like natives can. But why does it need a crisis to come together as a human family? Too mmany have died, and now Mother Earth? I recommend the film Isalnd President, about how the Maldives Isalnds in the India Ocean face total submergence from climate change which the same oil will expand. This shows we are one people. In the Maldives there has been a militart coup, destroying the great effort by the Government to avert disaster. There seems to have been a coup d'etat against the Earth and her people in Canada. Time for a people rising, let the people of the Earth be free of pollution, greed and pain!!!!

Your right it isn't just "environmentalists" or "First Nations" who oppose this pipeline and the manner is which all of the tarsands is being developed, it is most Canadian's-onc ethey know the true story and not some fairy tale concocted by PR wizards called ethical oil. None of this oil goes towards helping Canadian's it is all exported through to the KOCK Brothers in the USA.

My home is in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. I believe this land called to me, invited me here to this place, about 25 years ago. I never really gave too much thought to my motivation, my reasons for coming here at the time. I've been doing my homework and I know now why I was called here. I have always advocated for the underdog, even as a child. Right now, Mother Earth, British Columbia, is being threatened. You have seen me post several links to articles regarding the proposed pipeline from Alberta's tar sands, through B.C.'s rainforest and delicate ecosystems and from there, supertanker transportation of this bitumen through narrow and oftentimes tempestuous channels and inlets overseas to China. The tar sands and ties with China aside, this is NOT THE WAY to a better way of life. Spills are inevitable. This is NOT the direction we want to go. There are going to be arguments on both sides of this. It will be money vs environment. Navigating our coastal waters is tricky for some of our large ferries. We are subject to numerous storms causing turbulent water in shallow narrows. It's not hard to imagine the inevitable horror that awaits citizens of B.C.. We will simply be collateral damage to line the pockets of large corporations....We are all natives to Earth and many of our children are native to the West Coast and B.C.. This is OUR fight - together! Tar sands oil piping and shipping MUST BE STOPPED!!! I for one, will be standing along side of you. ♡

I don't like being called "WHITE CANADIANS" I am a non native ,but I have been to more stand up charges against the shit that this and other governments have tried to do to this Province. I also would add that I have many "NATIVE" friends that for years we have been trying to stop the very thing that is going on now. Now think again when you list people, you don't like it, neither do I. Now let's work together shall we.

If we are ever going to go to the stars, it's our collective respect for everything that this earth provides us that will enable us. "Why do the people imagine such a vain thing? "Why do the nations rage so furiously together?" Humbleness and modesty inspires interest and friendship.... We need to humble our politicians by getting along with and caring about our neighbors despite differences. The only reason we need locks on our doors is because the bias of business is a destructive competitiveness. Business seems like a justification of selfishness. "Business is business." We are driven, through rain washing by repetitive commercials, conditioned by being bombarded with lies and illusions, marketed to by falsely luring us with pictures of animals and beautiful landscapes and seemingly innocent smiles on beautiful faces... All things we are becoming increasingly deprived of while the person with power hardens himself fixated on his privelidged vision. As Douglas Copeland says "A good book writes itself." An appropriate vision or growth direction determines itself y the presence of good things in a community. We must share our thoughtful considerations so that these thoughts might evolve. A rich diversity of opinion provides temperance and temperance is one of the many roots of wisdom. We fear because we are being conditioned to think we need material things which shifts the use of our wealth to things more selfishly focused. The more you have, the more you want. Our wealth should instead be focused on providing opportunity for members of community and a sound connection with our environment and then also a healthy connectivity with all communities around the globe. We need to give back the fear that we've been sold and stop letting governments tell us we need more security. What country needs to worry about security that does good things in the world? The only reason a country needs to worry about securing its borders is because it does not do enough good in the world because it's inhabitants only think of themselves and keep their ideas to themselves.

The corporations will never give up trying to undermine any democratic initiatives to stop their agenda. As long as we have a corporate controlled Federal government we will have to remain ever vigilant to prevent this pipeline and the supertankers from entering B.C. Harper talks about this like it is already a given. They passed their mega-prison bill using every underhanded move that they possibly could and they plan to do the same with this pipeline. At this point in time Harper is talking about streamlining and shortening environmental review processes; read steamroll environmental concerns. His tactics involve villifying anybody in opposition so that just may be a reason for all those prisons. Protecting your democratic rights could well make you a criminal.

Check out CNN's Fareed Zakaria's latest broadcast online. He recommends a flat tax because of government corruption. Industry supports elections for "tax considerations," etc. in the States. Of course, it's the same here. He also suggests consumption taxes. Wealthy folks consume more expensive stuff...

we are so happy to hear that fellow british columbians are waking up to the truth....haleluja!!!!

When the oil spill happens and our Province is ruined forever it will be too late to say, "Oh we should have stopped that". I am 62 and I marched in Vancouver against Endbridge. Everyone must do their part to voice disapproval!! Stop Harper! Stop Endbridge! Please....

Thanks Mr. Purdy for your efforts. I think there will be many people joining you. Let's keep building the movement!

That's never stopped them before, they don't even care if they break the law .(hahahahahhaah) had to laugh.

Canada has signed international agreements that prohibit the Retroactive application of legislation, the gateway pipeline process is in violation of these international agreement

I am 63 and from the Gulf Islands and I also marched in Vancouver last Monday. This is one of the seminal environmental issues of our time and it is going to take all the determination and effort that we have to stand up against big oil and our big oil government. We MUST support the First Nations in every way on this issue. They are key and it is their traditional lands that are at stake here. I think it is important to focus on the Provincial Govt as well...they are just as culpable in this issue.

21 Conservative Party of Canada MPs in B.C. How do you get them to pay attention to their constituents instead of the Alberta power base?

...By never ever voting conservative again... Ever. Diefenbaker, Mulroney, Harper. Get it?

It is way past time to recount our stories of what will happen to the environment if the corporate bodies are allowed to carry out their varied plans.They refuse to factor in the primary cause, and ever present reality of accidents caused by human error.Not to cite this is totally misleading"plausable deniability"is itself delusional,a form of madness.As is the willingness to accept consequences of fracking,the oil sands,drilling in the Arctic.These are the actions of insane people. The nature of their insanity--the defence ofcapitalism
a system of government in which the presevation of the environment plays no role.This planet is here to be exploited and made to pay off.A point of view so exclusional as to deny reality.
We all know why it is happening,we all know we will oppose their plans but we must als ensure that the general populace recognizes that the corporate agenda is
based in that same ever expanding madness,one that can oly be treated correctly by masses of people who have identified the prevailing lunacy.

We must look ahead to the time when the project will be approved, and work will start on the port and the pipeline. What kinds of civil disobedience would be acceptable?

This is one of those times when it is vital that the people of Canada speak up and the Govt and other so-called decision-makers listen up! We must stand firm on preventing more pollution and climate changing practices from taking place. We do NOT need these polluting oil-sands and we certainly do NOT want oil-tankers of any size plying the pristine waters of West-coast British Columbia. It's time the Oil Corporations who have already proven to the World how irresponsible and uncaring they are, backed off and paid attention to what people really want. No, it isn't oil, it's a beautiful, balanced ecology where wildlife is healthy and abundant so we can enjoy nature as it is intended to be. An Enbridge spokesperson is quoted in the News as saying that "oil-spills and leaks from the tar sands are inevitable in projects like this one". Surely there is your warning Mr Harper and co! How dense can you be not to see that these kinds of projects are not wanted by anyone but those with vested interests, jobs (and shares) in the companies involved! Only the uninformed want to see this dangerous project go ahead because most are oblivious to those dangers. I for one will not vote for the Harper Govt if this and projects like it, are supported by the relevant Government officials.

I would really hope that you are ALREDY not voting for them, given their track record of corruption and absolute lack of consideration for their constituents wishes.

I helped out with Storm the Riding (Christy Clark, Point Grey) on Saturday 31 March (10.30-12.30). I stood on the corner of MacDonald/Broadway and collected 70 signatures in just under 2 hours asking the question "would you like to sign this petition opposing the Enbridge pipeline".

If only we lived in a democracy.

I wholeheartedly believe that people in British Columbia will oppose the pipelines (Kinder Morgan too) because of the huge increase in oil tanker traffic. This means we have to tell everyone we meet and go to all public rally and write every politician or newsperson we can. The No Tanker Rally was amazing - our beautiful needs our protection. Spread the Word and remember THE POWER OF ONE!!!!

In view of Enbridge's extremely poor environmental record (several major oil spills in recent years), this project represents an unacceptable risk to the fragile environment of the Spirit Bear Rainforest. As for the gigantic oil supertankers that would have to navigate through the narrow channels of BC's northern coast, a devastating oil spill is a distinct possibility. This project is environmentally reckless and must be stopped!

It doesn't seem to matter what the prople of BC think. Enbridge seem to thin that by lobbying Harper and his croked gang and giving their name to a bicycle ride for cancer, that we are all going to roll over and plat dead! THINK AGAIN ENBRIDGE {A|ND HARPER]?

How about legalize pot instead? It's a two billion dollar a year industry in BC too, and currently that money is going to the Hell's Angels. Weed is a lot less harmless than oil tankers, and it sells itself. Doesn't need to be forced on people the way this pipeline project is.

I think that the 2 billion a year the economy will lose by not doing this should be added to everyone in BC's taxes if the pipe line doesn't go ahead. It is only about$ 500 each a year, and the decision shouldn't be made without any repercussions. If you decide to stop the economy, something has to be done to make up the shortfall.

Now we all know who signs your pay cheques.

We need to stop construction on this pipeline from the source at the tar sands. I'm an Albertan and I am willing to stand up against Enbridge and Harper in an organized rally. Many people in Alberta are horrified at what is happening in our province and are waking up to the environmental degradation that is happening in the north. We need to be vocal and persist ant to stop the insanity that Harper and his oil buddies are trying to inflict upon us and upon our children.

To Sad Albertan, thank you. The last Albertan I spoke with said,I"ll be in my pool, you all will be in the welfare lineup.
KODOS TO SAD ALBERTAN !!!!

Harper doesn't care if he gets elected again. He's in this for a payback by a group of people who run this country.The conservatives starting with Diefenbaker(Shut down the Arrow jet program in 1959 under American pressure) Molroney continued giving Canadas soverienty away by signing NAFTA with the Americans. Now Harper continues to give our resources away for next to nothing pushing for the Keystone Pipeline to Houston so the Americans can refine the oil and sell it on the open market, something we could do. Push to have the Enridge Northern Gateway pipeline to the westcoast,so other countries can refine our oil. While we take the risk of polution in BC. Now to help push the pipeline Harper is watering down the fisheries act, very convienient. Once he rams all of the rest of the worlds agendas, as a member of the The Bilderberg Group, look that one up. See what plum job he gets as his payback for selling Canada out when he gets turfed out. Same as Ex Premier Cambell from BC for pushing the HST through which nobody wanted and having to resign. He also belonged to the The Bilderberg Group and lo and behold Harper as a member of The Bilderberg Group, gives Cambell a plum job as "High" Commissioner to England. Out of sight out of mind. Now Harper sends "in Ken Boessenkool as Ms. Clark’s Chief of Staff? Mr. Boessenkool – besides having been a senior adviser to Stephen Harper - was also, like Harper (as prime minister), a lobbyist for Enbridge, proposer of the Gateway pipeline." I could go on, but others can put the dots together .

The Route Enbridge has chosen has only one thing going for it (Bigger profits) and it is only valid for their shareholders. So the BC coast and northern interior is to be sacrificed to them and to Harper and his incompetent government (55 Billion more debt since he took over and 15B more he has spent inherited from the previous government)

There are so many alternatives that will be less harmful for Canadians now and future generations.
1.Process the bitumen in Alberta already destroyed ecologically in the area,this will give jobs to Canadians.
2.Send it East and give other Canadians jobs to process it.
3.Run the proposed pipeline alongside pipelines already running from NE BC to Vancouver, these areas are already at risk from pipelines there
Some could be processed there and these sorts of product (raw and processed material) is already moved by tankers in and out of Vancouver
through the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

All might be for naught, BC.Gas is already gone, BC.Rail, let's not go there, and as we speak BC.Hydro is being taken over ever so quietly. This one I know because my pay cheques are coming from California.
All our crown corporations have been sold, Alberta better watch out ,you may have oil, but the Americans are stealing it through the front door ..Thank-You. Mr Harper.

There has not been much information showing just how different, how much worse, a spill of this sticky thick heavy Tar Sands crude, into BC's rugged rocky coastal waters, would be as compared to the famous Gulf of Mexico spill.

The Gulf spill was "light sweet crude" that broke down in the WARM gulf waters; Here, it will remain visible blobs of oil in the cold water, or imbed itself into the rocky shores more or less forever. Even the almost ideal conditions of the Gulf spill resulted in a lot of damage that is still being counted up - for example it is only now that the Gulf Dolphins are beginning to die of cancer and organ failure...

the poll question was flawed; did not distinguish single-hulled from double-hulled tankers. Exxon Valdes was only single hulled. Double hulled are built with a strong rib structure; the single-hulled are just big sardine cans. Double-hulled are allowed in the pristine Baltic Sea; agreed-to by the seven nations with Baltic coastline. Single-hulled are banned from all major ports; are rapidly being scrapped. Enbridge said they will refuse to load a single-hulled. The super tanker does add awhole new dimension to the issue.partrsp

Double-hull tankers are an empty assurance that provides a false sense of security.

Double-hulls do not protect against major, high-energy collisions or groundings which cause the majority of oil pollution. In such situations, double-hull constructions can at best slow the progress of, or reduce the total amount of the oil released.

In the Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster, when that ship grounded on Bligh Reef and spilled 41 million to 119 million litres of crude oil, damage to the ship penetrated sections of the hull that were protected by a partial double-hull.

In 1992, the double-hulled carrier Aegean Sea broke apart after running aground and spilled 76 million litres of crude into the ocean off of northern Spain.

In January, 2009, the double-hulled tanker Eagle Otome spilled 1.7 million litres of crude oil at Port Arthur, Texas after a collision with a barge.

In May of 2010, the double-hulled tanker Bunga Kelana 3 spilled 2.9 million litres of crude into the waters off Singapore after being struck by a freighter.


Double-hulled tankers may have the potential to reduce spill volume in minor groundings or low energy collisions, but they are susceptible to a range of construction, maintenance and operation issues that make them more prone to leaks and failures.

A 2005 report by the European Maritime Safety Agency concluded that in most cases, double-hulled vessels are safer, however they also raised a number of concerns, including:

1. Accelerated structural corrosion in water ballast and in cargo tanks
2. The lack of mandatory provisions relating to coatings for cargo and ballast tanks
3. Fatigue
4. A demanding and difficult maintenance regime which, if not properly observed, could lead to structural deterioration
5. Lack of mandatory and harmonized procedures for monitoring workmanship and standards of construction during the vessel construction and repair

The panel also cautioned that many of the vessels are nearing 20 years old, and corrosion and metal fatigue between the hulls could be concealed from view unless the vessel owners invest in rigorous monitoring.

Most commercial vessels are registered with nations with comparatively lax shipping regulations, and fully 40 per cent of the world's gross shipping tonnage are conveniently flagged to just three nations: Liberia, Panama and the Marshall Islands.


Most importantly, however, double-hull tanker designs do not address human error, which is responsible for up to 80 percent of total oil spills worldwide.

Additionally, the tankers will not be accompanied by escort tugs or BC Coast Pilots in the open waters of Hecate Straight, Dixon Entrance or Queen Charlotte Sound where wind speeds can reach 200 km/h and waves higher than 25 meters can develop in less than eight hours. There will be no dedicated rescue tug on standby in the open waters if a tanker loses power or has a steering failure. Instead, Enbridge will send tugs from its Kitimat Marine Terminal with an estimated response time of 10-18 hours during which time a disabled tanker may drift ashore and ground.

I hope everyone who supports the ban is ready and willing to pay more for those Made in China plastic goods that they like to buy every week at Wal-Mart. Let's be consistent here. Defending the environment has a financial cost, which I personally am more than willing to bear, but I am not convinced about what financial sacrifices my fellow citizens are willing to make to save the planet.

Again Harpers henchmen will try and silence the minority of the people of BC all for profit of the hungry corporate oil barons. Next thing the environmental radicals will have knocks on our doors late at night.... does this sound familiar.... Nazi's 1930's....China 1989.....

I noticed recently on a Surrey blog that someone had gone to the trouble of finding out what investments funded their public pension plan. That is something I did this week,too. I contacted my credit union (mutual funds are the ones,that have shares in tar sands and related companies)Fortunately I don't have mutual funds. Then I e-mailed my pension plan investments panel to alert me to any tar sands shares;like Enbridge or Kinder Morgan that might be providing shares to the massive fund. I protested any involvement with these 2 companies and I will request to attend when they have their shareholders meeting coming up.I figure if Aboriginal folks from the Amazon region of Colombia can walk,paddle canoe ,fly to Toronto to attend a Barrick Gold mtg to protest environmental degradation to their communities and health dangers to their children; then I can at least alert any investment companies to whether their investments are ethical in my opinion.
Apparently mutual fund are nervous about folks withdrawing $'s from their companies in this regard. It takes some investigative questioning of these investment companies. I recently moved a good chunk of change out of a mainline bank to a credit union(my little Occupy activity) that invests in my community. Needless to say the bank got my point. Sure, the interest is a bit lower but I sleep better at night. Now I write to the CPP to obtain a list of investment shares in that portfolio. Hey if enough of us do this checking ;esp. with the private sector funds, that's how better corporate practices are considered. Its always the bottom line and the ebb of the money.