Actions Requested:  Let Council Know Your Opposition

When:   Before October 29, 2008

Background:

Three years ago, the City of Edmonton attempted to hand over the City’s $8 billion in water drainage assets to EPCOR, the utility company wholly-owned by the City. Citizens raised concerns about this “corporatization” and “semi-privatization” of key municipal infrastructure, fearing lack of control and accountability. Mobilization from Edmontonians caused Council to vote 7-6 AGAINST the transfer. It was a victory for the public interest!

Last month, the City Manager issued a public statement that the City now plans to transfer the operations of the Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant to EPCOR. This multi-million dollar facility has won international awards for its quality, innovation and forward-thinking projects.

Experts suggest the motivation for the transfer is to assist EPCOR in its efforts to expand to other municipalities. EPCOR bids on contracts to run municipal utility services when municipalities decide to privatize or transfer their services to a P3 model.

City Council will be debating the proposal during its October 29 Council meeting, before an opportunity for public consultation or input.

AFL’s Position:

The AFL opposes the transfer at this time for two key reasons:

1. This is a significant move being made in a rush and without public consultation. The consequences of the transfer need to be debated. Edmontonians need to know what this will mean for their water bills, for the quality of their drinking water, and for the job security of the workers at the plant.
2. This is a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The Gold Bar Plant is a international jewel for the City of Edmonton . Transferring the plant to Gold Bar benefits EPCOR corporate plans for expansion OUTSIDE the City of Edmonton , but will do little to benefit the citizens of Edmonton . The AFL believes EPCOR should be focusing its energy on provide high quality services to Edmontonians, and not in participating in the creeping privatization of water and power in Canada .

Action:

Contact Edmonton City Council asking them to defeat the proposal on October 29. Demand a full public consultation process before any such proposal is considered.

PHONE: 780-496-8110 and ask to speak to your Councilor

EMAIL: councilors@edmonton.ca and let them know you are concerned 

Talking Points:

• While EPCOR is a valuable asset for the City that we should all be proud of, it does not need to operate the Gold Bar Plant to provide high quality services to Edmontonians.
• The Gold Bar Plant is internationally regarded as a model for wastewater treatment. Transferring it to EPCOR creates uncertainty and raises questions about its future directions. Will EPCOR remain as committed to innovation and world-class science? Our wastewater treatment does not need this level of insecurity given its strong track record.
• This is a significant decision, involving assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Such a decision requires time and a full, transparent debate. There is no need to rush into this decision. Council should be moving slowly to careful consider the consequences of the decision.

Luanne Climenhaga

Alberta Federation of Labour

10802 - 172 Street

Edmonton, AB T5S 2T3

Telephone: 780-483-3021

Fax: 780-484-5928

Website: www.afl.org