Is Alcan pirating provincial rivers through BC Hydro?

Many people, although not nearly enough, are very concerned about the energy plan for the province that is being implemented by the Campbell government.
Our rivers are being stolen from us and are being given to multinational corporations.
Alcan is leading the way in this. Alcan, BC Hydro and the Ministry of Energy plan to appeal the ruling of the BC Utility Commission, which turned down Campbell’s attempt to do a secret deal, which would have given Alcan control of the Nechako River and a profit of at least $200 million annually, in perpetuity, it would seem.
Hydro power water licences have been distributed all over the province. They are destined to give their private investors billions of dollars from the utility bills we all pay. These are monies, some of which BC Hydro previously contributed to the general revenue of the province, to be used for education, welfare, health, etc. 
The people of this province are mostly unaware of this outrage being perpetrated by their elected government, which supposedly acts on their behalf. But George Orwell’s Animal Farm alerts us that Campbell has two mantras: “Corporations Good – People Bad” and “Private Corporations Good – Public Corporations Bad.”
Alcan is a preferred, private, multinational corporation, while BC Hydro, which Campbell has already ruined, belongs to the public. To learn more, visit (hydrofactsbc.ca) and then talk to your friends and prepare for public protests.

Dr. Hamish Nichol, Pemberton

A publication of substance

I am a 78 year old woman who subscribes to a variety of socially conscious organizations: (Canada) Council of Canadians, Earthsaver, Canadian Wildlife Association, and I attend a metaphysical church (Religious Science). Also my yoga philosophy focusses on “soul growth.”
In my experience your magazine has always fed into my needs in one aspect or another. I consider it to be a publication of substance. I have read each article in sequence – no “cherrypicking” – with equal interest and satisfaction.
May you continue to maintain your excellent standards, attracting such erudite contributing writers, for the next quarter century at least!
Thank you.

Myrtle Mustoe, West Vancouver

A few issues worth discussing, Mr. Premier

Welcome to 2007, Mr. Premier. I realize that you felt that there was really nothing to meet about last fall, but I was hoping that you might think that there are a few issues worth discussing this year. But maybe I’m just dreaming. I know your sights are firmly fixed on 2010. Too bad about the BC Stadium roof, but I guess that’s what happens when too much hot air just isn’t strong enough to hold up anything of substance.
There are a few things I’d like to bring to your attention, if you figure there’s not much to meet about. There’s the small matter of increased homelessness throughout the province. Then there’s the annoying and odiferous matter of Victoria flushing its poop into the ocean. There’s also a fair amount of heart medication and other geriatric prescription fallout that ends up in the sea, due to the direct flushing of untreated urine.
Mr. Premier, if this doesn’t grab your attention, there’s the statement you made in China last year when, on your taxpayer-funded trip, you assuaged the fears of some Asian businessmen, assuring them there would be some real movement on the oil front in the waters off Haida Gwaii. Let’s hope that movement isn’t an earthquake, eh Gord!

Steve O’Neill from the Flying Shingle on Gabriola Island