PGAQ #20 (FP) by Vic Steblin, March 4, 2008

2570 Laurier Crescent, Prince George, BC, 250-564-1123

Sometimes my mind justifies living in the air polluted bowl of Prince George because of all the nearby health facilities. I was able to conveniently walk over to the maternity ward for the births of three otherwise healthy children. I can see the hospital and the Northern Interior Health Unit from my back window. A 100 million dollar cancer centre is scheduled for the near future, a sure sign of help.

Many doctors, nurses and health workers would surely know if we had any serious health issues with the air. Surely they would take care of any concerns in a proactive way instead of just reacting to health problems after they happen!

Then I hear about the medical students at UNBC who do not intend to live or practice in Prince George because of the air pollution. Many of us participated in a rally a few years ago for a northern medical program and now this!

I know that students can see firsthand from the medical building how the smoke fills the low areas. They get a shocking view of the Canfor smoke stacks filling the bowl from the Canfor Lounge and I can imagine their polite comments but hidden intentions.

Only a few medical specialists write about air quality. Are they just politely dealing with health issues in their professional but reactive way? Congratulations to those with the courage to complain and actually do something about the air pollution of Prince George. Thank you!