Dear Editor,
We live beside a vital waterway crucial to countless B.C. industries, as well as transport and tourism. Because of oil pipeline approvals, it’s said tanker traffic will increase from the present 60 to an estimated 400 tankers. While it is maintained that B.C. needs jobs and means to sustain the economy, irremediable consequences are still a concern.
I have a question. How many if any, of these oil tankers will carry flags-of-convenience?
I understand ships can bypass their own countries’ stricter regulations for repairs and maintenance by sailing under a laxer country’s flag. If these are the tankers plying our waters, world-class standards for oil spills may soon be put into effect, while more fortunate countries learn from our unhappy attempts to deal with the damage.
Masako Stillwell
Richmond BC
