CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT (CRD)<br>
RICHARD L. DALON, DIRECTOR<br>
OUTER GULF ISLANDS ELECTORAL AREA<br><br>

August 24, 2000<br><br>

The Honourable David Anderson, PC, MP<br>
Minister of the Environment<br>
Room 133, East Block<br>
House of Commons<br>
Ottawa, Ontario<br>
KIA06A<br><br>

Dear Minister:<br><br>

On behalf of constituents in the Outer Gulf Islands I would like to convey a request for you, as Minister of the Environment, to order an independent panel review of the Georgia Strait Crossing. It is my view that an independent panel review is more likely to produce a fair and impartial evaluation than a comprehensive study.<br><br>

While the NEB is already anticipating a comprehensive study process it is not too late to ensure that an independent panel review is put in place. An independent review, unlike a comprehensive study, would allow public debate on the merits of a natural gas fired electricity generating facility. This debate would allow discussion on the merits of this project given the obvious environmental and social-economic affects on a relatively small community. In addition this would allow debate on the cumulative effect in conjunction with the proposed Sumas Energy 2 power plant in Washington State.<br><br>

The impression of my constituents so far, is that the public process to has been inadequate, given the important and substantial consequences of this project. A commitment to are independent panel review would go a long way in allaying these fears and perceptions. It is my hope that you will agree with this assessment and order an independent panel review.<br><br>

Sincerely,<br><br><br>

Richard L. Dalon<br>
Director, Outer Gulf Island Electoral Area<br>
Cc: Mr. Michel Mantha, Secretary NEB<br><br>


310 VILLAGE BAY ROAD, MAYNE ISLAND. B.C. VON 2J0<br>
PHONE: (250) 539-2890 a FAX: (250) 539-2523<br>
EMAIL: RDALON@DIRECT.CA<br>