Prominent NDP Members, NDP Volunteers and Trade Unionists Sign Open Letter to the Premier Urging Site C Cancellation

01/12/17
Author: 
Peace River Solidarity Initiative
Link: 
Market Wired

November 30, 2017 14:33 ET

Peace River Solidarity Initiative, made up of Union and NDP volunteers and members, voice their expectations that the BC NDP government uphold their election promises to cancel the Site C dam megaproject, based on the findings of the BC Utilities Commission Inquiry and reconciliation with First Nations of BC

VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - November 30, 2017) - Over the last several days, more than 350 NDP volunteers and trade union members took to the internet to sign an open letter standing in solidarity with the West Moberly First Nations, Prophet River First Nation, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Amnesty International, the Peace Valley Landowners Association, the Peace Valley Environment Association, and many others who call for the immediate termination of BC Hydro's Site C dam in Treaty 8 Territory.

The NDP government is days away from making their decision regarding whether or not to complete or kill Site C, a decision which will have implications for BC's economic, social and environmental future. As it remains unclear which way the NDP government is currently leaning, supporters want to ensure the government they voted for is clear on their expectations as long-time, dedicated NDP organizers and union members.

"I am deeply concerned that the NDP stands to lose significant organizational support at the constituency level should they go ahead with Site C," says Harold Steves, Richmond City Councillor, former NDP MLA, referring to the people on the ground whose role in winning elections, he says, cannot be underestimated. "In the face of climate change, we can ill afford to lose valuable farmland to Site C. Food security is paramount. Now is the time to stand up for reconciliation and not encroach on First Nations' rights."

A group of contractors and building trades unions, supported by some long-time party insiders, have recently called for the continuation of Site C, stating it is in the best interest for BC due to the jobs it will create and the money that has already been spent. The Peace River Solidarity petition clearly shows these union executives do not speak to the positions of all union members, who form a significant portion of the NDP's voting base. Furthermore, NDP donors, volunteers and paying party members have signed to show their disapproval as well.

Jackie Larkin, former member of IWA, Vancouver and Municipal Employees Union, noted the array of different trade unionists who are against the project. "This letter should be a cautionary reminder of what may arise should the BC NDP government let Site C go ahead against the economic interests of the working people of BC," she says. "Given the clear results of the BCUC review, it makes no sense for the NDP to take the dive for the Christy Clark Liberals. Unionists will support cancellation of the project even if this forces an increase in hydro rates in the short term."

The quick groundswell of this petition shows the appetite for cancellation of the project among NDP voters and the signatures are still continuing to flow in. If you'd like to add your name to the list, click here https://goo.gl/forms/UqA3aGxlCI2Budk33

See below for the text of the statement of solidarity, and the list of those who have signed as of 12:30 am this morning.

Media availability:

Harold Steves: 604-277-7759, haroldsteves.savefarmland@gmail.com
Richmond City Councillor, former NDP MLA (Dave Barrett NDP 1972,) founder ALR, 1973, chaired NDP Environmental Caucus 60's 70's, Honorary Life Member NDP, Former member BCTF, Director Metro Vancouver

Jackie Larkin: 604-253-5068, jlarkin@gddc.com
Former member of IWA, Vancouver and Municipal Employees Union, VCC Faculty Association and Communication, Energy and Paperworkers' Union. Esquimalt-Metchosin NDP.

OPEN LETTER BELOW:

Open letter to Premier John Horgan and the BC Cabinet regarding the Site C Dam

Dear Premier Horgan and the BC Cabinet,

We, the undersigned, are dedicated union members, organizers, and/or NDP members who stand in solidarity with West Moberly First Nations, Prophet River First Nation, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Amnesty International, the Peace Valley Landowners Association, the Peace Valley Environment Association, and many others who call for the immediate termination of BC Hydro's Site C dam in Treaty 8 Territory.

Respectfully,

Prominent NDP Members, NDP Volunteers and Trade Unionists

(See attached PDF for a full list of signatories.) [with original article]

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/11/30/11G148365/Images/IMG_0006-8bdaf027432995c8b4eb4af70dcddc5c.jpg

Attachment Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/11/30/11G148365/Site_C_solidarity_signatories_framed_Nov_29_2017-a129a99681bcae5fa9fd7b9d7987b4f0.pdf

CONTACT INFORMATION

Category: 
British Columbia
Energy
Labour - Unions
VESG