Dear Sir:
Having read the recent letter to the editor from BC Liberal Skeena candidate Ellis Ross, it is what one would expect as all politicians and candidates mean well – at least until elected and become the incumbent. I wonder if Mr. Ross would investigate and look for a solution on the constantly increasing cost of domestic fuel for homeowners.
As I said in the past, I am in favour of industry and jobs but I believe much tighter penalties are required for environmental damages.
For corporations to pay massive fines after a disaster amounts to the cost of doing business or in short, it’s not the damage caused but who can afford the most for the damage they have caused.
If CEOs and others were subject to serious prison sentences they might be more inclined to put more money and resources into environmental protection and less into their own pockets. They may even spend a few million extra each year on maintenance and upkeep instead of giving themselves bonuses. But wait, all they have to do is go to the B.C. Utilities Commission and have an increase placed on the homeowner to cover those costs.
Call it a rider, a surcharge, a tax, or a pecuniary encumbrance, it all amounts to the same.
The homeowner/working stiff gets stiffed.
Allan Grier, Terrace, B.C.