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CUPE has launched a community campaign to keep public control of water services in North Battleford.

Members of CUPE 287 have been going door to door in the northern Saskatchewan community, delivering a brochure to raise awareness about the threat of private water.

Were launching this campaign because were concerned city council is refusing to reject the privatization option, says Barb Plews, president of CUPE 287, which represents 123 municipal workers including sewer and water plant operators. Since they havent yet ruled out the proposal, they must still be considering it.

This spring US Filter Canada, owned by the French multinational Vivendi, approached the city with a proposal to enter into a public-private partnership to build and operate a new sewage treatment plant.

The evidence from across the country shows that public-private partnerships dont save money, and often lead to higher user fees and a decline in service, says Plews.

CUPE agrees that North Battleford needs a new sewage treatment plant but public financing and operation would cost less and ensure local control of a vital resource.

The union is urging city council to pass a motion categorically rejecting the public-private partnership option. Our members and families live and work in the community and want to help ensure the provision of good, clean drinking water, says Plews.