Following is a copy of an email sent to Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP Alistair MacGregor and Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP Paul Manly:
I see in the newspapers that you hosted a so-called expert panel on freighter anchorages, but the list of experts seems to consist only of people opposed to any freighters anchoring anywhere in the Gulf Islands.
It seems only reasonable to me that an expert panel should reflect both sides of the issue.
Also, there has been reference to a petition signed by those opposing freighters anchoring in the islands.
I would like to see a similar petition by those who like the idea of these world travelling icons of commerce visiting our ocean neighbourhood for short terms.
Many of us feel a properly regulated anchorage enhances the image of Canada as an international trading nation whose prosperity depends in large part on getting the fruits of our labours to distant markets.
Many of us also feel the sight of these vessels on our waters is a pleasing rather than threatening part of being that trading nation.
I feel that if you are going to explore this issue properly, you should do so from all sides.
Michael Smith,
Chemainus