February 27, 2005

Baucus told he's not welcome in B.C. visit

From the Sunday, February 27, 2005 online edition of the Billings Gazette . . .

A British Columbia lawmaker disturbed by U.S. restrictions on softwood and cattle imports told Sen. Max Baucus that "you're actually not welcome here" when the Montana Democrat visited Fernie, British Columbia, to talk about a potential coal mine.

The remark by Bill Bennett of British Columbia's Legislative Assembly raised a cheer Friday.

Baucus went to Fernie to discuss pending coal exploration that could lead to a new mine near the headwaters of the Flathead River system, which is on both sides of the U.S-Canada border. In Montana, the exploration has raised concern that Flathead water quality will be harmed. Baucus indicated an interest in establishing a group of Canadians and Americans to foster the exchange of scientific information between the two countries.

Bennett indicated little interest in Montanans' concerns about coal mining, focusing instead on the wood and cattle issues.

Read the entire article . . .

Posted by nfpa at February 27, 2005 08:59 AM