The Squamish Chief reports that the politically interested are going to battle out a zoning change to allow a new WM:
One of the most vocal local opponents of Wal-Mart is Darlene Pidgeon. Her main concern with Wal-Mart is the fact that it is not a Canadian store.�Its another American corporation that is overtaking Canadian business and doesn�t sell Canadian products,� Pidgeon said. �It does not support Canadian business and is not local.�
Wal-Mart Canada claims the stores carry Canadian products.
Pidgeon won�t be swayed in her opinion that Wal-Mart will be bad for Squamish. �It is going to give more money to their base in Arkansas,� she said. �It is going to affect local businesses.�
Pidgeon complains that Wal-Mart is able to offer low prices because the products are made in places around the world where workers are exploited.
�The clothing is made in sweat shops in China, Mexico and South America,� she claims.
On the other side of the spectrum, Joan Forry says Wal-Mart can�t arrive soon enough.
�If you are a larger sized person they do have clothes that fit you at a price you can afford,� Forry said. �And, they have such a selection of kids clothes, shoes and runners. I want it here for Christmas.�
When Forry learned of the information meeting she said she will bring Wal-Mart supporters to the meeting.
Posted by Kevin on June, 11 2004 at 09:47 AM
