We can thank the B.C. Liberals and specifically Gordon Campbell for rising hydro rates and less money in our pockets. Before being forced out of office with the lowest approval rating of any premier in Canadian history, Campbell agreed to buy unneeded power from run of river independent power projects at far above the market rates. This is now a huge unfunded liability as hydro has to sell excess power that it payed a premium for at lower market rates. That and regularly diverting dividends from hydro to other areas has left hydro in a mess that would cause WAC Bennett to turn over in his grave. This was just another sweetheart deal cooked up for B.C. Liberal insiders and financiers.
Under the ruse of making B.C. self sufficient in power Campbell caused a gold rush mentality as companies (many foreign owned) rushed to stake out, dam and divert rivers to generate unneeded power too often with only token environmental oversight.
After being run out of town on a rail, (not BC Rail as Campbell sold that to his cronies), the high priests of business who profited most from Campbell’s tenure sought to whitewash his shameful legacy by voting him “Builder of the Decade “ and supported his nomination to the Order of B.C. What a joke! Tax cuts to business were paid for by the old, poor, elderly, ill and young school children as Liberals cut funds to our most needy and vulnerable to pay for business’ tax cuts.
Campbell’s accolades should read “Food Bank Builder of the Decade” and given the fishy smells around so many back room maneuverings, the “Odour of BC.” B.C. Liberal mismanagement of BC Hydro and our rising hydro costs are Campbell’s legacy.
Ted Roberts
Sooke