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Damning decisions for profit

It is the government’s duty to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

Re: Privatizing B.C.’s power.

One need look no further than Oliver, B.C. (July 2010) to realize the arguments Mr. McBratney (Letters, Nov. 8) makes in favour of privatization are dangerous and ill-thought out.

Certainly the private owner of that dam kept costs down, to the detriment of my sister and her friends and neighbours – maintenance being neglected in favour of profit.

My sister lost most of her working vineyard, bed-and-breakfast and beautiful garden, not to mention family heirlooms and personal possessions.

A labour of love and the work and investment of a life time were destroyed in an instant.

No, the dam owner has not taken responsibility. He pleads poverty and is nowhere to be found.

Politicians and bureaucrats removed from the equation? Completely untrue.

It is the government’s duty to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

The government has paid for quite a few studies in the last year-and-a-half related to this disaster.

They have a lawyer who acts as an intermediary for them who supposedly works “seven days a week” to settle with the victims.

The initial clean-up and highway clearing was not paid for by the dam’s owner.  Who do you think is paying for all this?

Meanwhile my sister is grateful to be alive, homeless but housed by a kind neighbour.

She feels encouraged and loved by the wonderful people of Oliver.

You won’t find her at Occupy Vancouver, as she’s busy working what remains of her vineyard and for Hester Creek Estate Winery, as well volunteering in her community.

She’s my hero.

I will forward Mr. McBratney’s thoughts to my sister and her neighbours. Perhaps after they finish laughing, they will care to comment further.

 

Donna L. Kill

Surrey