Gasoline prices are at a record high, yet it looks very likely these will be considered a comparative bargain in the not too distant future.
Let鈥檚 say 鈥淵es鈥� to bringing in energy from Alberta (and northern B.C.?) via pipeline, but 鈥淣o鈥� to tankers on our coast 鈥� and build a refinery in B.C. for consumers to use locally produced energy products.
Current exorbitant prices are blamed on temporary refinery closures in the western U.S. (as well as taxes), yet gasoline prices there have remained relatively stable. If we had our own oil refinery, we wouldn鈥檛 have to rely upon international oil and would be providing the local market with 91原创-produced energy that would be purchased at a fair rate based upon the current world price.
We would be putting a stop to the current price gouging and volatility (a shared blame here, I believe), be keeping energy prices reasonable and stable for consumers, and be creating secure, long-term jobs for British Columbians. Surely this would be a key component to ensuring B.C.鈥檚 future economic stability and prosperity, and is an ideal prospect for a public/private-sector partnership.
Danny Foster
Saanich
