Halifax & Sydney, NS – Community and labour organizations across Nova Scotia are calling for actions against Nova Scotia Power’s proposed 6% rate increases and for democratic, public ownership of the electrical utility.
Actions are planned for both Halifax and Sydney on June 7th.
Emera, the company which owns Nova Scotia Power, will hold its Annual General Meeting on June 7th in Halifax. Individuals outside of Sydney and Halifax are encouraged to hold their own actions in their communities against this private, for-profit monopoly.
Sydney
Thursday, June 7th at 12:00 noon
In front of the Provincial building, 360 Prince St
Halifax
Thursday, June 7th at 2:00 pm
Near the Halifax ferry terminal
Both actions will include a sing-a-long of the youtube hit “Emera’s Profiteersâ€
“Nova Scotia Power’s rate increases will hurt families in our community, especially those with low or moderate incomes. No rate hikes to pay for corporate profits,†says Evan Coole, a member of Cape Breton ACORN.
“Nova Scotia Power made $121 million in profits in 2010, while paying their executives millions. With democratic public ownership, that money would stay here in Nova Scotia and be used for public priorities, like hospitals, schools and roads,†says Kyle Buott, President of the Halifax-Dartmouth & District Labour Council.
“Nova Scotia Power has been dragging its feet when it comes to investing in green energy and green jobs, while lobbying politicians to reduce environmental standards. Public ownership will make green energy a priority,†says Brian Crouse, a member of Solidarity Halifax.
“We are opposed to rate hikes to pay for corporate profits and executive compensation packages. Electricity should be a public right, not a private, for-profit monopoly,†says Suzanne McNeil, President of the Cape Breton District Labour Council.
For more information please contact:
Evan Coole, Cape Breton, ACORN – (902) 549-4183
Kyle Buott, Halifax-Dartmouth & District Labour Council – (902) 478-0239
Brian Crouse, Solidarity Halifax – (902) 222-1564
Suzanne McNeil, Cape Breton District Labour Council – (902) 270-5561
Website: http://solidarityhalifax.ca/power/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Power-to-the-People/374461375935030