The Editor, The BC Nurses' Union is very disappointed to hear of last week's decision by Port Metro Vancouver to approve the controversial $15-million coal loading facility at Fraser Surrey Docks.
BCNU, which represents more than 40,000 licensed and regulated nurses across the province, has expressed serious concerns about the alarming public health risks associated with coal dust, and has supported requests by chief medical health officers in the Lower Mainland for a more in-depth assessment of the coal transfer facility along the Fraser River.
We have also made clear our concerns regarding the impact a project of this size would have on our fragile, coastal environment.
We are proud to stand with a number of health professionals, including doctors and many others, who are strongly opposed to the recent decision.
The significant risks associated with the transportation of raw resources through densely populated regions are well documented.
BCNU believes the health and wellbeing of thousands of citizens who are directly or indirectly impacted have not been fully considered in this decision.
Christine Sorensen, vice-president, BC Nurses' Union