Write Now re Site C

Dear Friends of the Peace,

 As you are aware, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) has begun the process to assess the economics of Site C dam, effective August 9^th. 

 On August 11^th, several of our allied groups sent a letter to Premier Horgan with a number of requests to ensure that the BCUC process is open, transparent and procedurally fair.  We have not heard back from the Premier on these requests.

 We think an open and fair BCUC process is extremely important.  Time is moving quickly.  The BCUC assessment is on a very short timeline, with a deadline of August 30th for input on the economic issues outlined in the terms of reference, a preliminary report from BCUC to the government by September 20^th and a final report by November 1^st. 

 How can you help?

You can help make sure that despite the short timelines, the BCUC process is as open, transparent and procedurally fair as possible.  Read the information below and send an email to Premier Horgan (premier@gov.bc.ca)  and Michelle Mungall (Michelle.Mungall.MLA@leg.bc.ca), Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources now, insisting that the following matters be addressed within the BCUC process as expediently as possible.

• Start by thanking Premier Horgan and his government for following through on their election promise to send Site C to the BCUC
• Request that the BCUC hold public hearings (more than just an 'open house') as per the recommendation of the previous BCUC assessment report (.pdf) of Site C in 1983 which states:

l3. direct the B.C. Utilities Commission to hold public hearings at that time to assist it in making these determinations (p. 24) .

• Request that the public hearings include cross-examination to ensure credibility
• Request that additional data, as outlined in letters submitted to the commission here (.pdf)and here (.pdf) be provided in a timely manner such that individuals can make complete, informed submissions by August 30^th
• Request that Minister Mungall instruct BC Hydro to provide details about how to account for the 2200 jobs Hydro claims to be associated with Site C construction at this time.  Details should include:  construction jobs, part-time jobs, related service industry jobs, workers temporarily laid off, contractors, individuals employed on the project at BC Hydro headquarters and so forth.

We appreciate the need for the assessment of Site C Dam by the BCUC to be undertaken expediently, but at the same time, let’s make it as open, transparent and fair a process as possible.

Remember to send your emails now, as the first deadline for submissions is fast approaching – August 30^th! (Submissions will be accepted until mid-October, but this first deadline is critical.) You can also make a submission of "data and/or analysis" yourself here.

We and the Peace Valley thank you for your on-going support.

For the Peace,

                                              

Andrea Morison                                  Galen Armstrong                     
Peace Valley Env. Assc.                      Sierra Club BC                    
 

Stop Site C