Letters to the editor

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8 Comment(s)

Re: Sale of NB Power

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Hi neighbours.

It's none of my business what New Brunswickers do with their power utility, but I can offer a couple of unsolicited comments on what you might expect, in the years to come, based on our experience in Nova Scotia.

When Donald Cameron was premier, his government decided to sell Nova Scotia Power to private interests. No doubt there were several reasons for this, and he probably felt that the company would be run more efficiently and leaner as a private corporation, rather than as a Crown-operated utility.

There was a windfall of cash that year for the provincial treasury, which made the books look good - at least, in the short-term. In ensuing years, here's what transpired.

The privatized NS Power immediately began playing hardball with its main fuel supplier, Devco, lobbying for lower fuel rates. There was a deal reached, largely because Devco had little choice in the matter.

This, along with several other factors, led to the eventual demise of Devco, which was for a time the largest energy company in eastern Canada. Once Devco was out of the picture, NS Power was free to shop the world for fuel, looking for the lowest prices in order to maximize profits for its shareholders.

I anxiously watched my power bills for signs of relief - since the corporation was now more efficient and able to access cheaper fuel. Well, my power bill didn't shrink.

Actually, it continued to go up, at what is generally conceded to be an unacceptable pace. Of course, the cheaper fuel didn't last forever, and when the world price for coal went through the roof, so did our power bills.

We went from a provincial Crown-operated utility, generating electricity from a domestic fuel source being mined by Nova Scotians, to a private utility whose main reason for being is to maximize profits for its shareholders. It bought fuel from places like Columbia, where labour is constantly under the microscope for possible human rights violations.

Some say service has suffered under the new, privatized corporation. I have no comment on that. They seem to do what they can with the resources at their disposal. In all, I hope your provincial government weighs all the facts before jumping into something that looks almost too good to be true. And, remember, you can only sell NB Power once.

After that, the politicians are going to have to start using their imaginations as to how to better handle the provincial treasury.

Good luck neighbours. I fear you are going to need it.

Steve Woods

Sydney, N.S.

Process is unfair for elementary school students

Re: H1N1 vaccinations

I'm concerned with the way H1N1 vaccinations for elementary students are being handled in the Fredericton area.

In Saint John, Moncton and Miramichi, clinics are being held at the elementary schools. Elementary student do not have to go to a public clinic and wait in endless lineups.

Here in Fredericton, only middle and high school students are being vaccinated at their school. Elementary students must go to public clinics and wait.

This is completely unfair to this group - that is considered high-risk.

Why are Fredericton elementary students not given the same access to this important vaccination as students in other cities in the province?

Lori Doucet

Fredericton

People need to put words into action

Re: Getting out and supporting our troops

I'm wondering why the people of Oromocto say that they support our troops.

There is a Newfoundland band, named the Eddie Coffey group which, over the past six years, have travelled all over America and Canada.

Their main objective is raise money and awareness for our "wounded warriors."

Twenty-five per cent of their sales go to this cause.

The Eddie Coffey group played at the legion in Oromocto on Oct. 25. Only about 28 people (including staff) showed up to show their support, at only $10 per person. I want to know why people say they support our troops and veterans, yet cannot put actions to their words.

With so many soldiers, military families and Newfoundlanders here, it is very disappointing to see such a little turnout for such a big cause.

For those who did not know about the concert or could not make it out, but are interested in this great cause and the amazing people who make up the Eddie Coffey group, please visit: www.eddiecoffey.ca

April Thorne

Geary, N.B.

'I still remember' the London bombs

Re: Oct. 26 letter to the editor

A letter to the editor Oct. 26 questioned "What Bible are the Russians reading." It voiced doubt it was the "King James Bible," and pointed out "Our Bible has the Ten Commandments and one is you shall not kill."

Seventy years since the start of the Second World War, and remembrance of the London Blitz in childhood, I find myself retorting: What exactly is it that we are teaching our children from "the King James Bible," which we have, when NATO elects to demonically bomb countries, such as Afghanistan, each month with 100 tons of bombs?

It boggles the mind, the amorality of war with continued bombing of God's creation in humankind.

Perhaps it's because I'm Christian or, because as a toddler under those London bombs, even 70 years on, I still remember.

Gloria G. Paul

Hoyt, N.B.

Who do you have to know to get a job?

Re: Employment in Fredericton

I am new to living in Fredericton.

I am, in fact, a New Brunswicker and have spent time in this city, although this is my first time living in our beautiful capital.

I have one overbearing problem with my Frederictonian experience thus far (and, from what I've managed to gather, I'm not alone).

Where are the jobs?

Actually, I have found many postings and whisperings of jobs available. I suppose the more accurate question is: What am I doing wrong?

I am competently educated and certainly experienced in my field (videography/photography/writing) and have found employment with relative ease in other cities and locations. But Fredericton doesn't seem to take kindly to a new crop.

I'm curious as to what steps others typically take while drafting cover letters, customizing resumes and making cold-contacts that screams "Fredericton" enough to be noticed by local employers.

Sadly, this isn't just a trend followed by local media-type employment postings. I've successfully been passed over by just about every online/newspaper/store window posting in town since my relocation this summer.

Is there a secret code to crack in order to find work? Is it based on connections, family or friends? Perhaps a certain bravado I've never encountered?

To those who have been kind enough to open their hearts and businesses to me thus far (you are a rare and noble few), I do not mean to complain for what you have given me.

I am just hoping to secure reasonable full-time employment along my line of interest, experience and (most expensively) education.

I suppose I should go back to browsing the job bank for the time being.

Stephen Belyea

Fredericton