Stop The Giveaway Of Our Rivers, Say New Democrats
VICTORIA — Gordon Campbell’s giveaway of our streams and rivers to private power producers is resulting in increased hydro rates for B.C. families, says New Democrat energy critic John Horgan .
“British Columbians are justifiably upset with Gordon Campbell’s plan to privatize B.C.jhorgan Hydro by stealth,” said Horgan. “Hydro rates have been skyrocketing ever since Gordon Campbell started the giveaway of our rivers.”
Horgan noted that thousands of British Columbians are expressing their opposition to Campbell’s privatization agenda today in a campaign called 10,000 Voices for B.C. Rivers.
“People are angry that Gordon Campbell is taking away public control of our rivers and watersheds so his private developer friends can make a profit,” said Horgan.
He noted that private power costs up to ten times as much as power produced by B.C. Hydro, but Campbell has ordered Hydro to purchase all new power from private sources.
“That’s why hydro rates keeping going up, with the next increase coming April 1,” said Horgan.
The private power industry has donated $811,070 to the B.C. Liberal party.
“This is one more example of Gordon Campbell putting the interests of his friends and donors above the interests of ordinary British Columbians,” said Horgan.
‘Take Back the Power’ organized thousands of British Columbians to call, fax or email their MLAs today “to tell them to put a stop to expensive and unnecessary privately-owned power generation projects.”
Carole James and the New Democrats are calling for a moratorium on new private run-of-the-river power projects until a thorough review of B.C.’s energy needs is completed.
