The citizens of Sooke have a difficult decision to make by June 27. Will they oppose a district council bent on putting the priorities of a large corporation over the future wants and needs of its next generation? Or will apathy rule the day?
A 21-year deal takes the decision-making process away from future citizens and elected officials. It makes presumptions on future international trade deals, corporations being bought and sold, and what regional economic and environmental conditions will be. Has the impact of the proposed European Trade Agreement been considered? Will this agreement supersede the ability for the municipality to ever take back the service?
In Canada we strive for a balance between a competitive private sector and an accountable, stable public sector. This deal was never open to the competitive market, nor accountable to the citizens it services.
I hope to see a future where the private sector flourishes with competetive bids on new developments (design and build), then the services being maintained to the highest standard possible by public services accountable directly to you, the tax-payer… just the way it should be.
I urge the citizens of Sooke to look at this deal closely, and the impact it will have on the community.
Trevor Davies
General Vice President, CUPE 374
