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THE WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER

2nd Issue August, 1966

N.D.P. POLICY STATEMENT ON

WATER RESOURCES

RANDOLPH HARDING, MLA The available water supply of British Columbia cannot be treated simply as a source of hydro-electricity, or, on the other hand, as a spill-way for the waste of industry. It must be seen in relation to fish- eries, irrigation and recrea- tion (as respects the prov- ince), and as a valuable re- source in the broadest sense with respect to the continen- tal water system.

The New Democratic Party believes in stricter regulation of the available water supply by the Department concern- ed. Water must be treated as

a diminishing natural re- source (in the same sense as

forests and minerals) and can- not, therefore, be despoiled as is the present practice; by in- dustrial projects which pol- lute; by logging which de- stroys the water-shed; by un- necessary diversion or point- less damming.

A New Democratic govern- ment would introduce legisla- tion which would impose severe penalties on those who pollute or otherwise misuse the water resources of the provinee. It would, as well, establish an ad hoc committee to study, in co-operation with other authorities in North Ameriea, the future utiliza- tion of water resources, in

order that careful planning, which precludes wastage, may be the result. The New

Democratic Party recognizes the fundamental unity of the North American Continent in the case of water resources, and further recognizes the need for intelligent and non- belligerent policies designed to share these resources with our neighbours on an equita- ble and rational basis.

To meet British Columbia’s power requirements, not only as regards quantity of nower, but also to ensure stability of supply and economy of nrice, the New Democratic Party proposes the following pro- gramme:

1. All hydro develonment in the province must be car- ried out by the publicly own- ed B.C. Hydro,

2. The remaining privately owned hydro utilities, includ- ing East and West Kootenay Light and Power Comnavies should be-immediately taken over by B.C. Hydro.

3. The cheavest sourre of energy should be developed first. This must be consistent with sound resource manage- ment.

4, All power facilities with- in the province should be in- tigrated into both a national and an international grid.

5. The sale of power to the United States should be con- sidered only if there is sur- plus in the province and any sales should be on a short term basis.

6. The growing use of na- tural gas as a fuel and a source of raw materials for industry makes it necessary to ensure stability of supvly and economy of price to the consumers. The New Demo- cratic Party would bring wholesaling and retailing of natural gas under public ownership. This would in- clude public ownership of the natural gas pipelines and of all distribution systems and would result in a sharp de- crease in cost to the con- sumer.

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