It is always a joy reading your columnist Arthur Black and enjoying his wit.
It was nice to see that we, north of the border, share some of the amazing dumb genes he was writing about (The NEWS, April 5).
In the same edition Tuesday as the most recent Black column there was a guest column penned by B.C.’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Bill Bennett.
I found nothing to be proud about by this column, which I considered a preamble to the next election.
Truth about BC Hydro rates are not that difficult to find if one looks. No one asks how the present provincial government can defend the rate increase when they only want to get their hands deeper into our pockets (think of this Hydro increase as a tax raise).
I want to know how much is lost and negatively affects Hydro rates by buying power from the IPPs (independent power producers) at exorbitant rates and reselling for less?
This was mandated by our provincial government. I want to know how much more the provincial government will peel off in dividends from Hydro because of this higher rate?
Establishing a profit through deferments has, and will, allow more dividends to be peeled off.
I want to know how much has been drawn off as dividends that should have been used for infrastructure upgrades rather than fattening the budget for general revenue?
Since this sinister plan was implemented, how much has been siphoned off?
It appears that we all have some dumb genes for letting this carry on and on.
I do believe, however, that those taking care of the hen house (reporters on issues of the day) seem to have been blessed with an extra large number as we merrily walk toward the cliff insuring another Christie Clark win.
Bob TritschlerParksville
