Editor:
Re: Dix, Teamsters critical of trestle timeline, Aug. 13.
Adrian Dix has lost my support as BC NDP leader. He has demonstrated a lack of foresight and sensitivity to the Semiahmoo First Nation; communities in the Lower Mainland; and, our environment, with respect to interim repairs and replacement of the Little Campbell River railway bridge on First Nation Land
Adrian is like the political leaders of the past who readily gave away land to BNSF railway to encourage development and profit, without negotiating a long-range deal that respected the local people and the lands.
Instead of supporting the First Nation in their negotiations and looking towards the future, he chose the typical path of supporting corporate profit making at any price.
I agree the railways workers should be concerned about their safety and that of its passengers and cargo. There is a choice for them as well: refuse to cross the bridge.
Railways, like tar-sands pipelines, should benefit society and the environment today and into the future. They should not wreak havoc on those living nearby or in distant lands. That is our responsibility to ensure good governance.
I will support only political leaders who have the foresight to ensure that my children and grandchildren live in a good place. The Semiahmoo Nation is our neighbour, and perhaps in these negotiations we can give them our support and help stop the transfer of coal that devastate our lands, including China.
John Mackintosh, Surrey
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I read with great interest the “chest thumping” by both BC NDP Leader Adrian Dix and Teamster representative Bill Brehl. Both are sorry losers in the current economy and, at best, opportunists on a front-and-center issue such as the BNSF in any way shape or form.
The fact is, Dix got a thrashing in the recent provincial election and, as for Brehl, he is lucky to save his members’ collective agreements without losing members in a stale economy. Having been a Teamster, I say think outside the box, Mr. Brehl, and do more than just grandstand on land that will not create any employment for the Semiahmoo First Nation people.
In your article, neither Dix nor Brehl address that they were on land that does not truly belong to them or produce employment for the Semiahmoo people.
Ron Eves, White Rock