Plugged In - BCCPP eNews July 2009

Report on Election
In the months leading up to the provincial election, BC Citizens for Public Power (BCCPP) produced and distributed more than 28,000 action packages to concerned British Columbians that included educational resources, maps detailing proposed and existing Independent Power Projects (IPP), and sample letters of protest against the privatization of BC's energy sector directed to the Premier, the Environment and Energy Ministers, and MLAs.

In addition, 575 lawn signs were displayed province-wide; we participated in the 10,000 Voices campaign; and set up information tables at every College and University in the Lower Mainland to educate young voters on the privatization of BC's rivers. We also attended public and community meetings throughout BC, including Vancouver, Powell River, Prince George, Quesnel, Kelowna, and Nanaimo in an effort to raise the profile of this important issue.

Regrettably, the outcome of the provincial election demonstrates the government's determination to move full steam ahead to privatize BC's electricity sector.


Moving Forward
The election may be over, but the fight to protect public power and BC's pristine wilderness continues. BCCPP's strategic plan for the coming year includes, in part:

1. Lobbying provincial and municipal politicians to protect our public power and natural resources.
2. Commissioning research on numerous issues associated with BC's electricity sector—particularly environmental and economic impacts of privatization.
3. Educational programming geared towards BC youth on the subject of green public energy.
4. Fundraising for additional grant and foundation revenue and by increasing our devoted group of PUBLIC DEFENDERS (monthly donors).


Events & Action
BC Rivers Day and World Rivers Day takes place on September 27th, celebrating the tremendous resource and heritage our rivers provide.

Click here to learn more about this year's event.


Information & Resources
Save Our Rivers Society presents a new five minute video by Damien Gillis, documenting a big week in the battle against private river power in BC. See highlights from the recent Kaslo meeting where 1,100 spirited citizens showed up to rally and speak out for their wild rivers. At issue was Montreal-based Axor Group's plan to divert 5 rivers in the Purcell Wilderness, northeast of Kootenay Lake, for a 125-megawatt private power project—the largest such proposal in the region. The people of the Kootenays join British Columbians who have come out en masse to oppose projects on the Ashlu River, Upper Pitt River, Bute Inlet, and elsewhere—showing citizens around BC how to mobilize to protect our rivers and public energy system.

Click here to view the latest video.


In the Media
In the month prior to the election, BCCPP and its spokespersons received 17 unique media exposures. Of particular interest is Executive Director Melissa Davis's editorial, "Deciphering the truth in the BC Energy Plan," featured in the Georgia Straight.

Click here to read the article.


Needed: 100 New PUBLIC DEFENDERS
In order to continue our valuable work, BCCPP needs ongoing financial support. We are seeking 100 new or existing donors to join our team of PUBLIC DEFENDERS by contributing $10 per month. Monthly donors provide a stable revenue stream while reducing administrative costs. Small monthly gifts also add up to significant support over the year.

Click here to download our donation form and become a PUBLIC DEFENDER.


Stay plugged in and energized on this issue!!