While it is disappointing to learn that the BC Liberals are intending to raise BC Hydro rates by 28 per cent in the coming weeks, we should not be surprised. This government is now carrying out the mandate that most B.C. voters asked of them when they voted Liberal on May 14, 2013.
While I have signed the petition that is being circulated by the BC-NDP to voice displeasure at this move, I believe it is disingenuous for any Liberal-voting citizens to be outraged at the proposed increases. I must admit to a lingering bout of resentment with how the NDP lost.
Reality has sunk in. The unpopular changes required at BC Hydro are being made as early in the Liberal mandate as possible with perhaps the hopes that voters will forget in three and a half years that they are paying more for hydro than ever. In the meantime, advances in developing alternative and sustainable energy sources is all but neglected. Heck, with Premier Clark’s fascination with LNG, we can surely expect bold cost increases in that realm as well.
Our province is capable of more, but our government unfortunately is not.
Jacqui Gingras