Comments on Local Issues

Rebuttal of the South Fraser Perimeter Road Project Assessment Report, 2008

In order to address the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) report on the South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) as released July 25, 2008, I must begin by asking the question — what is the purpose of the road?

The purpose, as I understand it, is to provide a transportation route connecting Delta Port with the South Fraser dock and ultimately the Port Kells switch yard for the movement of containers by truck. The solution, as proposed by the dusted off 20 year old perimeter plan, tweaked a bit to give a token nod to environmental concerns, is in fact the most expensive and environmentally damaging option that the Campbell government could have chosen. That viable alternatives were not given due consideration, is the most shocking aspect of the report.

March 3, 2008, Welcome message

Dear Neighbours,

Three quick notes this week.

On the Budget: I gave my response to the budget last week. I’ve included both the Hansard text and the Victoria Times Colonist’s response on this page. The Times Colonist went after how I spoke instead of focusing on what I spoke about. The problem is -- how can you have a “green” budget that off-loads costs on to you and me as polluters while supporting programs to expand roads, ports and container parking lots and giving them a break at the same time? How can income taxes stay low yet fees are increasing all the time? Have you actually checked out how many ways you pay for Translink? Property tax, gas tax, surcharges on BC Hydro and ICBC bills… And speaking of BC Hydro, in the very near future, seniors and low-income students and others will have to choose between being warm and being fed. These user fees and surcharges are nothing more than deferred taxes. See my speech for more on this.

February 7, 2008, Welcome message

Is Sweat-Shop Housing on the Way?

Gordon Campbell government’s solution to addressing unsafe transportation of farm-workers may be solved by immobilizing farm workers by housing them at the farm site under slum-like conditions.

WorkSafe BC’s February 7th’s report into the deaths of 3 farm workers shows the government’s negligence regarding protection of vulnerable farm workers transported in sub-standard, unsafe vehicles. The report identifies the need re-instate the roadside inspections the Campbell government eliminated when it took power in 2001.

Farm worker employment standards were stripped away by the Liberals in 2002 and now safety standards are now being questioned since 15-passenger vans involved in the Abbotsford motor vehicle accident last year.

January 30, 2008, Welcome message

Liberal giveaway means higher hydro rates.

The recent 25% increase announcement BC Hydro rates over the next few years is a direct cause of Gordon Campbell government’s reliance on energy from private independent power producers (IPP’s).

As my colleague MLA John Horgan said: “British Columbians are paying the price for Gordon Campbell’s privatization agenda.”

The B.C. Liberals have prevented BC Hydro to produce our own electricity anymore. B.C. Hydro has been forced into buying power from private energy companies at unreasonably high rates.

January 23, 2008, Welcome Message

Dear Friends,

The MATRIX was successfully launched last Thursday (January 17th, 2008) at the George Mackie Library. I want to thank all those who came and especially Rita Penco, Library Manager who kindly let us use the library for the launch. What better location to promote a service directory full of information than in a room full of books!

January 7, 2008 Welcome message

Dear Neighbours,

Let me begin by wishing you and yours all the best for 2008! The start of a new year is always an exciting time of fresh beginnings and new discoveries. In my community office, we are very excited to welcome you to our new webpage and to introduce you to the MATRIX, a directory of services for North Delta.

North Delta is a wonderfully complex community and we determined that the best way we can serve you is to share our information and resources with you. We have gathered together information on many non-profit service providers, government agencies and recreation associations available in our community. Please explore our links to local services and we have provided (and will continue to find) links for those services that exist beyond North Delta.

Liberal Government's continued assault on Burns Bog

The following is a letter MLA Guy Gentner sent to Eliza Olson, President of the Burns Bog Preservation Society, January 16th, 2008.

Dear Eliza,

I believe that the Campbell’s government Climate Change Bill is a farce. Transportation Minister, Kevin Falcon’s insistence of ploughing the South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) through Burns Bog flies in the face reducing the lower mainland’s carbon footprint. You have championed the scientific fact that Burns Bog sequesters carbon and this government doesn’t give a damn.

North Delta – An Island defined by Economy, Trade, and Transportation

by Guy Gentner
September 2006

Is the South Fraser Perimeter Road a highway to nowhere or is it a gateway for more congestion? Either way, as it is currently laid out it is not a favourable option for Delta.