Editor:
Re: T2 is required to handle growing Canadian trade, letter to the editor, Dec. 12
Contrary to claims by Port Metro Vancouver, a new container terminal at Roberts Bank is not required to handle growing Canadian trade.
Canadians recognize that exports are vital to our economy. The use of containers for exports is not profitable but a convenient means of using empty containers. A 2011 report, by law professors at the University of B.C., found that public funds were being used for the movement of containers at the expense of the lucrative movement of bulk commodities, which form the basis of our export economy.
Historically, Port Metro Vancouver has produced inflated projections for growth in the container business. Its lowest forecasts have not been realized. Currently, there has been an increase in container imports because of a port tax and labour disputes in the United States.
Port Metro Vancouver has been taking business away from the ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Portland. While this may raise our statistics, it is not very lucrative as the goods are bound for the U.S. If B.C.'s container business continues to grow, there is ample capacity at this time. The existing Vancouver ports are operating at about 50 to 65 per cent and have the potential to increase capacity with upgrades.
In 2006, the federal government contracted a report by three experts who recommended that Canada develop container capacity at Prince Rupert before making investments in Vancouver.
There is no need for a second container terminal at Roberts Bank threatening the fragile ecosystems of the Fraser River delta.
Susan Jones
