Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.

Halifax City council needs to reconsider its plans to turn over its waste water treatment plants to foreign multinationals before its too late says Water Watch Co-ordinator Danny Cavanagh.

Foreign ownership and control will inevitably lead to price hikes and increased risks for residents. says Cavanagh. Why does council think these large corporations are interested in our waste water anyhow? Theyre not here because they are concerned about the harbour, theyre here to make a profit.

Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and other concerned groups plan to picket City Hall today to bring attention to the huge price hikes consumers will face if council goes ahead with its plans to privatize the harbour clean up. The picket will take place between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

Consumers are already upset by rising fuel costs how are they going to feel when their water bills keep going up? asks Cavanagh. The huge jump in fuel costs should serve as a warning when privateers take control of resources or public infrastructure the public is held hostage, and there is no accountability from our elected governments.

Cavanagh says residents dont mind paying for services, but paying extra so that corporations can make profits will not be tolerated.

He also warns that what the foreign consortia are really after is our drinking water. The treatment plants are just the foot in the door, he says. The real profit generator is our fresh water supply, and thats what theyll be after next.

Last year the Halifax Water Commission turned over $2.5 million in profit to the HRM, says Cavanagh. Is a foreign corporation going to give back profits to the citizens of this municipality? Not likely.

For more information contact
Danny Cavanagh at (902) 455-4180

opeiu 491