Some observers say the BC government was caught off guard last week when the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation allowing cruise ships on the Seattle-Alaska run to bypass mandated-in-law stopovers at B.C. ports. Premier John Horgan had earlier dismissed the legislation and assured reporters that the chances of it being passed by the American Senate were “remote.” On 13MAY, however, the legislation breezed through the Senate unanimously, forcing BC’s government to rethink its response. The B.C. tourism ministry came up with a positive spin, “as soon as Canadian ports are ready to welcome cruise ships again, they will be required by U.S. law to stop here on their way to Alaska, even if the current bill becomes law.” Premier Horgan’s timing to address this issue is also called into question. Two senators wrote to PM Justin Trudeau with a copy to Premier Horgan addressing their disappointment in the Canadian Government’s cruise ship ban without consultation with Alaska. The op/ed goes on to accuse BC Premier Horgan of only suggesting a meeting to address the concerns of Alaskan politicians after realizing how serious the passage of the legislation could be.
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