Local governments – whether it’s their jurisdiction or not – are expected to deal with constituents’ concerns.
But if municipal officials can’t get answers to those questions from the proponent (in the case of BC Hydro, for instance re: ‘smart’ meters, or Health Canada re: cell towers, or Kinder Morgan re: pipelines) what reassurance can they offer citizens?
Mayors and councillors in B.C. are signalling they’re no longer willing to leave things up to Ottawa.
They have too much at stake – property values, tourism, the health and well-being of their residents – to defer to anything other than non-industry funded science.
Are they stepping beyond their powers if they make decisions which do not adhere to Health Canada’s or NEB’s directives?
No. It is their duty to protect the health of the community if they are made aware of potential threats.
Some of this language was originally published in the Financial Post, Sept. 24, 2014.
Somebody has to step into this leadership vacuum.
Hats off to candidates and local leaders who are saying out loud what the majority of people in B.C. are already thinking.
Pat White,
Chase