Maude Barlow in Victoria November 20

Why privatization is a bad idea for Victoria’s sewage treatment

VICTORIA- Maude Barlow, Chairperson of the Council of Canadians and former senior advisor on water to the president of the UN General Assembly, will be speaking in Victoria on Friday, November 20. The event is free and is sponsored by the Council of Canadians, the Greater Victoria Water Watch Coalition, and CUPE. The evening will also feature renowned singer/songwriter Wyckham Porteous.

Since 2006, the Capital Regional District in Greater Victoria 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.

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. Come and learn from privatization experiences around the world and get ready to talk to local politicians about making the right decision for sewage treatment.

Please join us for an evening of great music and discussion about the importance of public water and why Greater Victoria’s sewage treatment should be public

When: Friday, November 20, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Auditorium at St. Ann’s Academy, 835 Humboldt Street, Victoria
More information: [email protected]

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