BCTA has emerged from the labour strife at Port Metro Vancouver as the lone voice of reason, bringing forth common sense solutions like extending gate hours that should have been implemented long ago. Unfortunately a cynical local media dismissed its recommendations, which the port quickly agreed to implement as a ‘backroom deal’ not worthy of implementation. On the contrary, the BCTA’s voice is the only one of reason to be heard from among the noise emanating from the port. Sadly, BCTA chief Louise Yako was forced to go on the offensive, to defend her association’s plans and the merits behind it. Here’s an excerpt from her rebuttal to local media assertions that the plan constituted some kind of ‘backroom deal’, as well as a link to the full statement.

“This disruption of service at Port Metro Vancouver has shone a light on some very real issues and concerns. Port Metro Vancouver has made commitments to address those issues and concerns in public and in good faith. Prolonging the disruption isn’t going to bring about solutions any faster than would otherwise happen,” Louise wrote. “If the disruption continues, it will have a long-term negative impact on the reputation of Canada’s Gateway to the Asia Pacific and will overwhelm the positive gains that can result from the eight-point action plan. We need to get the gateway moving again, and to get everyone working together on long term solutions that will make the gateway more efficient and productive.”