The BC Creek Protection Society in association with the Graduate Student Society of The University of Victoria invites you to attend a 1-hour lecture explaining environmental, societal, and political implications of current BC government energy policy. The lecture is given by Prof. John Calvert, author of Liquid Gold: Energy Privatization in British Columbia.

Wednesday, March 26th, 7:00 PM
University of Victoria, Harry Hickman Building, ROOM 105

Location: http://www.uvic.ca/buildings/hhb.html
Parking Lot #4: http://www.uvic.ca/maps/parkingmap.html


Abstract

Secure, reliable and affordable energy has been one of British Columbia’s most important competitive advantages and a key contributor to the province’s prosperity. BC’s energy costs have been based on the actual cost of production. Under new government policy, future energy will not be generated by BC hydro, but will be purchased from private energy producers.

This lecture will present an overview of how BC’s successful public energy system is being supplanted by a deregulated private electrical system. This will effectively transfer control of the system to private interests. It will also expose BC ratepayers to the risks and uncertainties associated with the United States energy market as BC’s system in gradually integrated into the larger Pacific northwest transmission grid—a grid largely controlled by US energy corporations. The government’s policies are also triggering an environmental nightmare, as dozens of private power plants are being built on pristine rivers, regardless of their impacts on fish, wildlife, Firsts Nations, and local communities

Dr. Calvert’s expose reveals how the government has gone to extraordinary lengths to provide a supportive financial, environmental, legal and ownership framework to assist the growth of private energy investments in BC.

John Calvert is an associate professor at Simon Fraser University, where he teaches public policy. He has a PhD from the London School of Economics in Political Science and an MA from the University of Western Ontario. He is the author of three books on Canadian Public Policy and economic issues.

For a recent book review, please go to http://www.citizensforpublicpower.ca/node/211