On November 20, 2009, Council of Canadians chairperson Maude Barlow spoke to a capacity audience of 250 people at the St. Ann’s Academy auditorium in Victoria.
As noted by CUPE then, “With a decision on sewage treatment expected in early 2010, Maude Barlow’s experience working with communities who have faced and resisted privatization schemes is timely.”
Today, CUPE reports that, “the Capital Regional District of Greater Victoria has released a paper clearly outlining sewage treatment options. The options for discussion are public, private or a mix of the two.”
In terms of background, “Since 2006, the CRD has been working to develop a plan for new sewage treatment. One of the key issues facing residents is how the new treatment will be financed, managed and operated. Public surveys and consultations show overwhelming support for public, not private, sewage treatment. But the B.C. government, which is a big advocate of privatization, has told elected officials in Greater Victoria that they have to look at the privatization option. The final decision, however, is in the hands of local politicians, who have the right to opt for public sewage treatment.”
As noted by CUPE today, “Public consultations are promised for February but no dates have been announced.”
Today’s news is at http://cupe.ca/communications/crd-sewage-options-include.
Maude’s speech in Victoria is noted at http://canadians.org/campaignblog/?p=2251.
You can read more about this issue in our ‘Making Waves’ newsletter at http://canadians.org/publications/subscribe/making-waves/vol-1.html#article2.
