CUPE BC worked with environmental organizations to provide input into the province’s new Water Sustainability Act. CUPE BC is calling for rules that ensure public control and accountability, protect the environment, explicitly prohibit the creation or growth of water markets, and recognize the crucial role of First Nations in the development of legislation and policy.
CUPE 402-01 continues to support the White Rock Accountable Water Committee in its efforts to return the community’s drinking water system to public hands. Earlier this year, the community convinced city council to buy back the water utility, which has been owned by EPCOR since 2005.
CUPE 1978 continues a long battle to keep new Victoria-area sewage treatment public. The local is calling on the Capital Regional District to revisit the decision to use P3 financing, and sign a 25-year P3 contract, for the biosolids energy centre.
Regina’s outside municipal workers, members of CUPE 21, helped found and support Regina Water Watch. The citizens’ coalition forced a referendum on a proposed P3 wastewater treatment plant. Although the vote was a bitter disappointment, Regina Water Watch continues to thrive, and is keeping a close eye on city hall. Workers and community groups are also continuing the fight in Saint John, New Brunswick, where the city has announced a P3 for its drinking water plant.