March 11, 2008 Revelstoke Times - Review
In my last MLA report, I wrote about some of the reasons hydro rates are increasing, the primary reason being the Liberal’s manipulation of our publicly owned hydro system. I wrote about the increase in the number of private run-of-river power projects and the reasons that British Columbians should be concerned
In my MLA report I stated the Liberals, from the beginning of their term in 2001, have worked systematically to create a situation that would undermine BC Hydro and create opportunity for private power companies to reap massive profits at the expense of rate payers. I outlined the mechanics of this process and indicated just how much this travesty will cost British Columbians.
I knew when I wrote that MLA report that the government and others who stand to benefit from private power projects would not be able to resist the opportunity to respond to my statements; to try to sell the people in this area a bill of goods.
In my report I made 12 clear assertions about this issue and I invite you to view the full report www.normmacdonald.ca. The Minister of Energy, Richard Neufeld, responded with a letter that he felt rebutted my statements but the Minister’s response only begins to address 2 of those assertions employing obfuscation and apples and oranges comparisons that will fool no one.
This confirms my belief that the government is in fact unable to defend their position on the privatization of our hydro system. I also believe that as more British Columbians come to fully understand the impacts of private power projects both on their pocketbooks and on their environment they will completely reject the Liberals plan.
I encourage people to learn more about the private power projects that are being planned for this area and about the repercussions of this privatization agenda. Voters still have the final power in this province and we need to take care to stay informed and make our voices heard.
Norm Macdonald MLA
Columbia River-
Revelstoke
Victoria, BC