[Community_Media] BC Federation of Labour Privatization Rally

[Bev Pausche]

For release at 12 noon, February 21, 2003


Gordon Campbell's drive to privatize is taking BC's economy in the wrong
direction and ordinary people are being asked to pay the price

BC Liberals set to raise Hydro rates by more than 20 percent

While Gordon Campbell's Howe Street friends get together for lunch to let
Premier Campbell know how he's doing, they should be asking how ordinary
people in the province are doing, says B.C. Federation of Labour President
Jim Sinclair.

It's time for Gordon Campbell and the BC Liberals to start listening to
ordinary working families, not just his corporate backers," said Sinclair,
speaking to a rally at noon today in front of the Hotel Vancouver.

"Middle and low income British Columbians are being asked to pay more in gas
taxes, pay over 20 percent more in Hydro rates, pay 60 percent more in
tuition, pay 12 percent more in ICBC rates, pay more in Medicare premiums,
and pay more in user fees and sales tax," said Sinclair, "and now seniors
are being asked to pay more for Pharmacare."
 
"And what are they getting in return?" Sinclair asked.  "Campbell's friends
and corporate backers get over a billion dollars in tax giveaways and
ordinary people get a $6 minimum wage and countless cuts to health,
education and vital public services."

Accenture - the Bermuda-based company taking over 1/3 of BC Hydro's
operations and employees - and BC Gas invited members of the business
community to attend Friday's Chamber of Commerce luncheon with Gordon
Campbell and his Cabinet just days after the BC Liberals revealed Hydro
rates will increase by more than 20 percent.

"Accenture is taking Campbell and his Cabinet to lunch and the people of BC
to the cleaners," said Sinclair. 

"Gordon Campbell's empty heartland promises won't keep communities quiet,"
added Sinclair.  "They know BC's economy faces significant challenges, but
they want to see the province back on track with a plan that benefits all of
BC's citizens."

Sinclair concluded by renewing his call to the BC Liberal government to
bring together BC's business, labour and community leaders to craft a
strategy to build the economy while protecting health, education and public
services.

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For more information: Bev Pausche (604) 220-0739.

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Bev Pausche
Communications Assistant
BC Federation of Labour