The Arrogance of John Hoevin
The Devils Lake Diversion
Over the years Canada and the US have been great friends and neighbors. This is not likely to change much despite the actions of a few misguided individuals.
One such individual is the Governor of North Dakota John Hoeven and his minions. It seems Hoeven cares little about Manitoba, and even less for the ecosystems of rivers and lakes in North Dakota and Manitoba.
A little background. Devils Lake,
a lake in northern North Dakota is causing significant problems to that state, including flooding and subsequent land lost. To combat the problem North Dakota built a diversion that lowers the water level of Devils Lake.
The problem arises due to this diversion of water, c/w its foreign species, ultimately ending up in Lake Winnipeg. The risk is those species cause havoc to one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.
It is said a simple $10 million filter would minimize the problem. Therein lies the rub.
The problem is exacerbated by the sheer arrogance displayed by Hoeven in his response to complaints by Canadian and Manitoban officials. You see, he refuses to build the filter despite an agreement between Washington and Ottawa.
"We don't object to the (advanced) filter with two provisions -- that North Dakota doesn't incur an expense and, second, that it doesn't impede the operation of the outlet," said Don Canton, spokesman for Hoeven.
The incredible stupidity of this position is awe-inspiring.
I'm sure there will be tit-for-tat rebuttals. Manitoba's Premier, Gary Doer, is already threatening such action. That likely won't help much, but we need to get Hoeven's attention.
For Hoeven's benefit I looked up some statistics on Canada - North Dakota trade. I believe these numbers will impress him. Stats circa 2004.
| Visits by Canadians | 340,300 |
| $ spent | $48 million |
| Visits to Canada | 72,800 |
| $ spent | $25 million |
| Exports to Canada | $462 million |
| Imports from Canada | $1.3 billion |
| Bilateral trade | $1.7 billion |
| Largest export market | Canada |
North Dakota trades more with Canada than over 25 of its next top export markets combined.
So, Mr. Hoeven. Do you even care?
With files from the Winnipeg Free Press and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
