Wal-Mart Hearings in Vancouver

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My response to an editorial in the Vancouver Sun:

It is unfortunate that the Vancouver Sun did not do a more critical analysis of Wal-Mart's proposal for "green" store on Southeast Marine Drive (editorial June 13th). For example, the windmill that Wal-Mart is proposing is unlikely to work in an urban environment (which is why the City rejected proposals for a windmill at southeast False Creek).

While Wal-Mart was attempting to "green-wash" it's image in Vancouver, it proposed a development on a sensitive salmon river estuary in Campbell River.

I also don't think we should ignore the fact that Wal-Mart is consistently ranked as the worst North American retailer for selling products produced in sweatshops. Wal-Mart is involved in the notorious factories of Saipan.

While the Sun's editorial references Wal-Mart's own study on the impact for local businesses it ignores the case studies across North America that show the devastating impact of Wal-Mart on local businesses.

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