Minister Mike Farnworth
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Room 128, Parliament Buildings
Victoria, B.C.
V8V 2L8
Dear Minister Farnworth,
We are writing to you today, following our learning of the tense situation facing hundreds of British Columbians working on the Coastal GasLink (CGL) project, which has the full support of all 20 elected First Nations councils along its route.
This week’s statement from CGL outlined the organization’s serious concerns about the safety of their workforce and the public “following an escalation in unlawful and dangerous activities by opponents that have put people, property, and the environment at risk.”
The statement detailed multiple incidents of unlawful activity that should be deeply troubling to all law-abiding British Columbians.
On behalf of the Official Opposition, we would like to know whether the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General considers anything in CGL’s statement from October 27, 2021, to be inaccurate or failing to adequately represent the situation faced by the fully-permitted CGL workers.
If it is accurate, what is your government’s plan to ensure the safety of these workers, de-escalate the situation, and guarantee there are no obstacles to either the progress of the project or the safe flow of supplies to the CGL employees and contractors in the area?
As this situation poses a potentially serious risk to the safety of British Columbians, we look forward to your swift response.
Sincerely,
Shirley Bond
Interim Leader of the Official Opposition
MLA, Prince George-Valemount
Mike Morris
Official Opposition Critic for Public Safety & Solicitor General
MLA, Prince George-Mackenzie