97.14EM Privatization Of Water Purification And Distribution Systems
Whereas, the water purification and distribution system infrastructures presently in place and in use in established jurisdictions (usually municipalities or regional governments) have been installed and maintained by the public; and
Whereas, these installations and systems would be turned over to private businesses to operate; and
Whereas, private businesses consider water to be a naturally-occurring resource or commodity to be exploited for profit; and
Whereas, experience in other developed countries where privatization has already taken place has resulted in an increased cost to the citizen-taxpayer such that poor families have been unable to afford at all times the water necessary for health and hygiene; and
Whereas, Canada took a lead role in the United Nations Conference on the Environment at Rio (1992) in the development and signing of Agenda 21, and in the subsequent Beijing Conference and Platform for Action, thereby supporting the principle that all peoples should have equal access to water at all times with concomitant responsibility to conserve and protect this life-giving resource; therefore, be it
Resolved, that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt a policy of opposition to the privatization of water purification and distribution systems; and be it further
Resolved, that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Provincial Councils of Women and the Local Councils of Women to urge their respective provincial and local governments to place a moratorium on all plans to privatize existing or future water purification and distribution systems.