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We wanted to provide some additional information to Friday's story about air quality in Saint John. At Irving Oil, we take our environmental responsibilities very seriously. Our company is proud of the investments we've made to improve air quality. Here are a few examples:

Sulphur dioxide levels from the Saint John refinery continue to decrease. We've reduced sulphur dioxide emissions by 45 per cent since 2003. In the coming months, we plan to bring a new sulphur dioxide reduction unit into operation. This $80 million unit is expected to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by a further 25 per cent at the refinery.

We continue to invest to reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) at the refinery through improved operational procedures, environmental programs and regular maintenance. Each year, the refinery conducts a VOC emission program where approximately 27,000 refinery components are tested to identify leaks, which are then evaluated and repaired. In 2007, this program resulted in a 25 per cent reduction in VOCs at the refinery. We also replace storage tank seals each year. The double seals we install help reduce VOC loss at the tanks.

As noted in the 2006 Air Quality report, annual benzene concentrations in Forest Hills and Champlain Heights decreased between 2005 and 2006. It's also important to note that these concentrations continue to be well below standards for annual benzene levels, set by countries like Sweden and the UK.

We look forward to continuing to be part of Saint John industry's efforts to protect the environment.

JEFF MacDONALD

Environment Manager, Irving Oil Refinery

Who can be part of Greek community?

In the past two weeks the Greek Community of Saint John has advertised the upcoming Greek Independence Party, to be held at the Trade and Convention Center tonight, with a dinner and traditional dance.

I was born and raised in Greece, to Greek parents and I and my family have tried to obtain membership in this community and have been denied. My children were denied participation in the Greek school and in cultural activities. The reason given is that we are not Christian Orthodox. I invite the leaders of the Saint John Greek Community to explain who this community represents and who can become a member.

I wish everyone an enjoyable evening celebrating the Independence of our homeland.

SIMON KOUMBIAS

Grand Bay-Westfield

Open the forests to new competitive uses

When the provincial Conservatives were in power they were visionaries when it came to the forests of New Brunswick. Unfortunately the visions resembled those achieved from hallucinations.

Change was good as long as it benefited the existing forest industry and their policies were so successful we have the vibrant industry that exists today.

The president of the New Brunswick Forest Products Association is all for change as long as it means reduced stumpage fees, reduced power rates and government incentives for his bosses.

The politicians and the forest industry have resisted any changes to how Crown lands are used or policy changes regarding forest resources except where they maintain the status quo.

It may be time to let some of the obsolete industries that use wood expire. We need to open the woods to new uses that will compete with the existing industries and create greater value. Unfortunately while this approach may be in the population's best interest it could be detrimental to those who now own the Crown lands in all but name.

TOM HICKIE

Fredericton

North of Union handling a fiasco

Why do politicians find it so hard to be up front with the people who they are elected to serve? For many months we have heard from the mayor and councillors that the police headquarters location was the ideal site and it wouldn't be changed.

Now we hear that one of the main reason this site can't be changed is that it was specified for the police HQ as part of the land deal between the city and Aliant. Councillor Court was critical of the deputy mayor for informing the public of the proposed project. Well it wasn't secretive if Aliant was aware of it.

The handling of this project has been a fiasco from the start. There has been no real public input into the project planning. The recent public consultations brought up many excellent alternative suggestions, but will be ignored as for the most part.

The city would be better served by building affordable housing on the site that would increase the tax base. The police administration could be housed in the justice building or within city hall and the operational section could be dispersed throughout the city. Precincts could be established in each community, providing service 24 hours a day.

This project, as it stands, is too expensive for the city taxpayers.

RUSSELL HART

Saint John

Time to rethink Afghan mission

On March 25 the Canadian Press reported that the Canadian military has been cleared to fire GPS-guided Excalibur artillery shells in Afghanistan. These shells cost $150,000 each!

Each time the military fires one of these shells, they spend more than I paid altogether for my house and two slightly-used cars.

With a mounting death toll on all sides, decreased security, and insufficient and inefficient development aid, I think it is high time we stop and completely rethink how we approach this mission.

ROB MOIR

NDP candidate for Fundy Royal

Many will leave due to EFI decision

I am incredulous that the Liberal government is trying to convince the populace that eliminating early French immersion will result in more bilingual students by "improving French language programs and services."

After getting over my initial shock I thought that any reasonable individual or group (our government) would listen and carefully consider comments from the public, from FSL experts and parents. The response from Kelly Lamrock that there is now 'acceptance' of the decision is beyond belief.

My husband and I were living in the U.S. when our eldest child was nearing school age. We decided we would move back to Canada. New Brunswick had a lifestyle that was family friendly and it had early French immersion. Most distressing was the English/French divide that we encountered. Don't kid yourself Mr. Lamrock that it doesn't still exist. Despite a less than advertised EFI program both of our daughters became bilingual. One daughter is now working in a bilingual position in Montreal.

Our daughters had planned on moving back to N.B., but due to the decision to eliminate EFI that is not going to happen.

You have lost them and therefore you have lost us.

Give us more credit for intelligence. Deciding to eliminate EFI has nothing to do with improving bilingualism in N.B. Where are the statistics that the new "intensive" program will be more successful? Where are the expert opinions? You won't make the "English" program better by diminishing the "French" program. Shame on you, Mr. Lamrock.

SUE BARRETT

Hampton

EFI a jewel in our just society

The debate over the fate of early French immersion is of historical significance. The Graham government is bold to venture into these turbulent waters, but they are sailing without a map and showing stubborn disregard for obvious danger.

Make no mistake. The entire country is watching. We must get this right. When I say "without a map," I am referring to the use of the Croll-Lee Report to make decisions which will deeply affect the lives of thousands of children. In this era of global positioning systems, this is the equivalent of using a sketch on the back of a napkin. The report has been roundly criticized by the majority of scholars who have read it as unscientific at best and misleading at worst. Some map. The stubborn disregard of danger is Minister Lamrock's complete refusal to respect the opinions of a legion of experts on language and education.

Early French immersion is a jewel in the crown of Canada's just society. We can be proud that even in a have-not province, we can offer this gem to our children. I feel deeply for the parents who are watching this great privilege being taken from future generations. Premier Graham, ministers Murphy and Boudreau, I applaud your government's courage for trying to tackle this difficult issue. However, it is not an exaggeration to say that killing early French immersion will be a crime. I pray that you will choose not to go down in history as accomplices in this tragic mistake.

Dr. ANDRÉ TOUCHBURN

Boudreau-Ouest

OUR POLICY: Letters must bear the writer’s name, address, a daytime telephone number and be no more than 250 words in length. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, libel, taste or non-verifiable information. MAIL: Letter to the Editor, Telegraph-Journal, P.O. Box 2350, Saint John, N.B. E2L 3V8; FAX: (506) 633-6758. E-MAIL: tjletters@telegraphjournal.com.