Freighter anchorages positive for our coast
Letter to Alistair MacGregor, MP
I see in the newspapers that you are hosting a so-called expert panel on freighter anchorages but the list of experts seems to consist only of people opposed to any freighters anchoring anywhere in the gulf islands.
It seems only reasonable to me that an expert panel should reflect both sides of the issue.
Also, there has been reference to a petition signed by those opposing freighters anchoring in the islands. I would like to see a similar petition by those who like the idea of these world travelling icons of commerce visiting our ocean neighborhood for short terms. Many of us feel that a properly regulated anchorage enhances the image of Canada as an international trading nation whose prosperity depends in large part on getting the fruits of our labors to distant markets.
Many of us also feel that the sight of these vessels on our waters is a pleasing rather than threatening part of being that trading nation.
I feel that if you are going to explore this issue properly, you should do so from all sides.
Michael Smith
Chemainus