A new national report on water regulation contains important lessons for Kamloops, says the president of the union representing city workers.
Mel Hale, President of CUPE Local 900, says that the report, which was released earlier today by the Sierra Legal Defense Fund, offers compelling evidence that governments across Canada are falling short of their obligations to protect drinking water.
The report gives failing grades to five provinces and territories, including British Columbia, for failing to adequately regulate water utilities.
Its ironic that while provincial governments across Canada are being forced to get more involved in managing water, Kamloops City Council is considering handing over water treatment to a private company, says Hale.
Im worried when I see that the city is seriously looking at handing over operation of the new water treatment plant to a private company on a 20-year management contract.
What would it mean if council decides to privatize our water treatment plant? Wed be putting our water the water we drink, cook with, and wash with in the hands of a private company thats out to earn a profit at our expense. Should we be trusting in some huge corporation to be accountable? Can we trust them to put highest safety standards ahead of a corporate bottom line? And can we trust them to keep water affordable for all Kamloops residents?
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For more information:
Mel Hale, (250) 374-0042 or (250) 319-1907
Jim Kirk, CUPE Communications, (604) 291-1940
For the complete text of the new Sierra Legal Defence Fund report, visit sierralegal.org.