CUPE says it's to give power to so-called public companies
The Canadian Union of Public Employees is accusing the Ontario government of pressuring towns and cities to transfer public ownership of water and waste water services to private corporations.
During a press conference in St. Catharines this morning, the local union said Bill 60 will give power to so-called public companies.
Director for a Better Niagara Liz Benneian referred back to Walkerton and other water crisis. "I know the Ford government has added new wording in the regulations that attempts to assuage fears about these boards becoming for profit corporations, and about the neglect of workers' rights, but I am not convinced. I believe this is a temporary fig leaf to clamp down opposition."
They added under private services costs go up, not down.
Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates' office says past experience shows privatizing puts public safety in jeopardy.
Dan Hales works in water services in Thorold, and says Niagara residents pay a few dollars per cubic metre of water. "Independent studies show when water is privatized, those rates can increase by 20%, 30%, and even more in some cases. In a time when the price of gas and food is skyrocketing, we can't afford to worry about having another Walkerton."
The union adds a survey showed by a margin of 3-1, Niagara residents want local officials to resist this change.
A number of Niagara regional officials have stated there's no push for this, know nothing about it, and regional documents show a desire to keep water services in public hands.
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