Privatization Watch - December 2009
Blue Summit: Celebrating a decade of water wins
Dec 17, 2009 01:04 PM Canadian activists have won many battles to keep water public. They’ve stopped privatization in key communities, protected the environment and convinced municipalities to cap bottled water sales. CUPE national president Paul Moist opened the Blue Summit, a conference to mark 10 years since activists came together under the banner of Water Watch, by celebrating these wins. Listen to his opening statement here.
Blue Summit: The state of Canada’s water systems
Dec 21, 2009 02:43 PM Canada must not repeat history when it comes to water privatization, says CUPE researcher Blair Redlin. Our country’s first water and sewage systems were founded in the wake of widespread public health problems in the late 1800s .These services were initially privatized, but were taken over by governments when they failed to deliver. Redlin has been involved in many campaigns fighting water and wastewater privatization. Blue Summit panel moderator Morna Ballantyne asked him to reflect on the state of public water systems – and the threat of privatization - across the country today. Hear his answer here.
Blue Summit: Water is a human right
Dec 18, 2009 09:10 PM Council of Canadians national chairperson Maude Barlow is a tireless advocate for water to be recognized as a human right and a public service locally and globally. She helped found Water Watch ten years ago, and has been involved in many key water fights. Panel moderator Morna Ballantyne asked Barlow how governments are responding to the call for water be declared a human right. Then, panelists and Blue Summit delegates discussed their ideas and action plans. Listen to Maude Barlow and the post-panel discussion here.
Beloeil P3 scrapped
Dec 4, 2009 10:01 AM Public-private partnerships have encountered a new setback in Québec, with the cancellation of a P3 sports center in Beloeil.
BC P3 methodology ‘seriously flawed’
Nov 19, 2009 01:57 PM A damning review by economist Marvin Shaffer says the BC Liberals have been relying on flawed methodology to choose P3s over traditional financing.
CUPE supports fired Mexican electrical workers
Dec 10, 2009 02:23 PM CUPE continues to be concerned about the Mexican government's treatment of electrical workers and its refusal to negotiate with their union.