Winnipeg Labour Council

WARNING!
Waste Water Private Partnership Hazardous

A Winnipeg City Council decision is expected as soon as this February which will select one of three multinational corporations as a private partner to design, build, finance and possibly operate our waste water facilities. The following information comes from the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Federation of Students.

The research and the sources for the research which identify serious concerns about the track records of these companies can be viewed in more detail at www.canadianswinnipeg.com. There is also an online petition that you can sign on the website. Here is a summary of what's on that web site.

Early in 2010 City Hall will vote on one of three private partners for Winnipeg's waste water upgrades. Here is some information about the organizations being considered by the city.

CH2MHILL:
Colorado: cancelled contracts with CH2M HILL cost taxpayers $4.1 million. US Inspector General reports contracts cancelled due to cost overruns.
New Orleans: CH2M HILL criticized for monopolizing disaster relief.
Sandy Springs: CH2M HILL "controls entire city infrastructure", public left out of discussions.

BLACK & VEATCH:
Oregon: Black & Veatch charged with Unfair Labour Practices.
Escambia: county utility fires B&V for violating water quality regulations in sewer plant upgrades.
Des Moines, Iowa: B&V builds sludge storage close to homes, forcing people to relocate.
Afghanistan: B&V facility reported to have significant planning problems, cost overruns and corruption

VEOLIA WATER:
Indianapolis: Veolia error leads to 40,000 school children on boil water alert.
Puerto Rico: government commission finds Veolia $695 million in operational losses.
Stockholm, Sweden: City rejects Veolia due to company's unethical business practices overseas.
New Orleans: Veolia channels raw sewage into Mississippi River

You can stop Winnipeg from falling into a similar situation. You can help keep our services public. Contact your city councillor and MLA and say NO to the strategic partner! Contact www.canadianswinnipeg.com to sign an online petition and for more information.