News Release - July 16, 2009

NELSON - Opposition energy critic John Horgan says he has no doubt that the people of the region are firmly opposed to the Glacier-Howser project after an energetic meeting in Nelson attended by hundreds of concerned citizens.

"The people of this region are saying, no, they are not willing to sacrifice their waterways and wilderness areas to Gordon Campbell's private power producer friends," said Horgan.

"I heard them send a clear message to the Campbell government. This project is unwanted and the existing environmental assessment process is deeply flawed."

Last night's meeting, sponsored by Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall, and moderated by Kootenay West MLA Katrine Conroy, featured Save Our Rivers spokesperson, Rafe Mair, and Western Canadian Wilderness Committee National Campaign Director, Joe Foy.

Overall, more than a thousand concerned citizens from across the region have spoken out against the project at environmental assessment meetings held in Kaslo, Invermere and Meadow Creek.

"I'm calling on Gordon Campbell to have meaningful consultations with British Columbians about the implications of his energy plan, a plan that compromises the environment, erodes our energy independence and gives corporations control over our watersheds," said Horgan.

The controversial private power project would divert water from four creeks to create up to 125 megawatts of power. None of the water would be returned to creeks after it is extracted to produce power.

The company plans to cut through more than 75 kilometers of old growth forest in Howser and Horsethief Valleys to connect the project to the grid.

Carole James and the Official Opposition are calling for a moratorium on new private power projects until the province has a plan in place that protects the environment and puts the public good above private profit.

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Media Contact: Jennifer Jones 250-889-6308