Far from being a neutral decision-maker answerable to the public, Vancouver's port authority has an inappropriately cozy relationship with Canada's coal lobby, say anti-coal activists.
Through a Freedom of Information request, Voters Taking Action for Climate Change (VTACC) obtained documents that show Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) has been in regular email contact with National Public Relations. The public relations firm represents the Coal Alliance, an industry lobby group.
"They share information on op-eds, they give industry a heads up about their briefings, they direct them to the media," said Kevin Washbrook of VTACC. "They give industry a heads-up when we're having events so [the Coal Alliance] can be there to respond."
In one series of emails, PMV, National Public Relations and the Coal Alliance discuss the port authority's participation in a forum organized by a youth group called Kids 4 Climate Action.
The port, which had been a sponsor and facilitator of the forum, pulled out of the event after the Coal Alliance wrote to them, saying, "The Coal Alliance believes the large-scale public format will result in a debate of opinions that would not be conducive to a constructive and reasonable discussion."
The Coal Alliance goes on to say they would like to meet with the youth in a private meeting.
In other emails, PMV and National Public Relations share information about media appearances and how to direct reporters to sources.
Washbrook said the relationship between the port and the Coal Alliance was inappropriate because the port is supposed to be acting in the public interest.
The port has final say over whether projects under its jurisdiction will go ahead, such as Fraser Surrey Docks' plan to add coal-handling capacity. Port Metro Vancouver, which has a federal mandate, is responsible for conducting environmental reviews and holding public consultations.
Washbrook's group is calling on the federal government to restructure how the port operates.
"It's fundamentally flawed at the core and I don't think they can fix it, the way they're constituted," said Washbrook.
Port Metro Vancouver has not yet responded to BIV's request for comment.
