To Trust Or Not To Trust

Our government has committed to making sure that we have rigorous systems of pipeline safety, rigorous systems of marine protection and that we fully respect our constitutional duties to consult with aboriginal communities.
"We will do all of these things. And we will not approve projects unless they are not only in our economic interests, but as said, they meet the highest standards of environmental protection.
"I mean it, we want to make sure that these kinds of projects are not just economically viable and give us lots of economic prosperity. We want to make sure that they are environmentally safe."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Vancouver Board of Trade Event

He means what he says, beyond doubt, and there are many Canadians who have no problem trusting this intelligent man who is Canada's prime minister, and who has demonstrated his resolute morality and ethical non-compromise in matters of concern to all Canadians. He doesn't get everything right, but he gets less wrong than his political opponents have done and will do, given the opportunity.

His concern while speaking about the issues of gas and oilfield development and transportation of same, is focused on the country's current and future economic self-sufficiency and financial security. These matter a great deal to most Canadians. And equally if not more important is our ensuring that our natural environment is protected, even while we're busy extracting our abundance of natural resources.

An RCMP officer tries to remove a protester from the stage at Prime Minister Stephen Harper's appearance in Vancouver on Monday.   Jonathan Hayward, The Canadian Press

He has ample opposition in his plans. Among them two protesters who had experienced no problems appearing on stage alongside the Prime Minister. While he may have been studying his speaking notes, the two protesters were holding their protest signs, urging CLIMATE JUSTICE NOW. The calm and collected Prime Minister waited while the protester was firmly escorted offstage, both he and his partner holding aloft another sign, and the scheduled Vancouver board-of-trade sponsored meeting commenced.

• 2014's economy will see an improvement, buoyed by Europe's troughing of their economic crisis and the U.S.'s anticipated economic growth; Canada's looks 'optimistic'.
• Spurred by the above and budget cuts, the federal deficit is scheduled for elimination by 2015.
• The free-trade deal signed with the EU has the potential to boost Canada's economy significantly.
• For First Nations communities an unprecedented opportunity presents to participate in resource development that will create work and bring those aboriginal communities into the "mainstream" of Canada's economy.

Much of the success of the last venture hinges on the approval of the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline to carry crude oil from Alberta to the B.C. port of Kitimat, to transfer to oil tankers and brought to foreign markets. This will be accomplished by government review proposals for the development of the project, following "the best scientific and expert advice available".

As for the surprise intruders. The RCMP tasked with looking to the safety and security of the Prime Minister has stated their intention of examining the lapse of security surrounding the event. The two protesters were merely taking advantage of an opportunity to express their considered opinions as dedicated environmentalists concerned for the stewardship of the country's fabulous natural treasure; the land and its animals and its human residents.

They cannot be faulted for taking that advantage. The RCMP can and should be faulted for their laxity. "We are currently reviewing the incident to decide what action needs to be taken to ensure the safety of the prime minister. Obviously we can't discuss specific details on security measures", stated RCMP Cpl. Lucy Shorey, emphasizing that the force "takes the matter very seriously".

As well they should, and heads should roll.