Straight Talk

Fight HST leader Bill Vander Zalm backs battle against B.C. Hydro’s smart meters

by Carlito Pablo on August 3rd, 2011 at 1:49 PM
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      After fighting the harmonized sales tax, Bill Vander Zalm isn’t totally fading into the sunset. He’s turning his attention to B.C. Hydro’s controversial smart meters. But the former B.C. premier won’t play a high-profile role on this issue like he did in the battle against the HST.

      “That’s of concern to a lot of people out there right now,” Vander Zalm told the Straight in a phone interview about the Crown corporation’s $930-million program to install digital meters in every home and business, starting this summer. “And I’ll morally support them [opponents of the meters]. They’re on the right thing. But I can’t get in there and do a lot of work for them like I did for the HST. That meant travelling the province, meeting with a lot of people, and organizing, and working at the computer here at home until all hours of the night.”

      According to the leader of the Fight HST campaign, many people believe that the meters invade privacy, emit electromagnetic radiation that’s harmful to health, and are part of a “money grab”.

      Chris Delaney, lead organizer of Fight HST, is going back to his filmmaking business and tending to his Christmas tree farm.

      “If [B.C. premier] Christy Clark calls for an election in the fall or spring, then chances are I probably wouldn’t run,” Delaney, who’s also the spokesperson for the B.C. First Party, told the Straight by phone when asked about his immediate political plans.

      Ballots for the HST mail-in referendum must be received by Elections B.C. before 4:30 p.m. on Friday (August 5).

      Elections B.C. spokesperson Don Main told the Straight by phone from Victoria that the electoral body sent out a total of 3.05 million ballot packages. Main said that the referendum result is expected to be announced in late August.

      Comments

      24 Comments

      Hu Gadarn

      Aug 4, 2011 at 7:21am

      BvdZ: "A Buddha smile with a snake heart"

      The hat lady wants her money back. So does BC.

      Goldorak

      Aug 4, 2011 at 10:05am

      LOL a tad too late... where was this diva when BC Hydro announced the contract months ago?

      Arthur Vandelay

      Aug 4, 2011 at 10:06am

      Narcassism is alive and well in BC. Thanks for letting us know that you haven't stopped thinking about yourself Bill.

      Pat Crowe

      Aug 4, 2011 at 3:18pm

      Thanks for the property transfer tax, asshole.
      And you are credible,why?

      Ken Long

      Aug 4, 2011 at 9:25pm

      Well let this typist be the first to post a comment on the subject and not the messenger. Do these people not just show their low IQ's? I for one appreciate what Bill and the volunteers have done for the HST removal. Mr. Campbell got drunk, lied about BC Rail and the HST and many more sins wasting tax payer's money. I hope he stays in London. To continue, the smart meter program is a waste of money at this time. Higher rates and the HST on that too. Is there an end to stupid policies. Yes an election and the soon the better. When Ms. Clark was chosen as leader ( I refuse to type premier) the responsible position should have been to combine the HST vote with an election.Kill two birds with one stone. Ms Clark or is it Queen Lark will remain unelected as our fearless leader. Good bye Ms Flipflop.

      james green

      Aug 5, 2011 at 1:07am

      Stop making the messenger the issue. I don't like what Bill did as Surrey mayor, minister of education or premier. So what?
      He is correct regarding meters. They are just another form of tax and have proven to be a health hazard as well.
      When will be begin to fight for our democracy in this province.
      How can people allow a crown corp and Ms. for Families Clark, place anything in our homes we do not want? Invasion of privacy my rear.
      This is invasion of our freedom.
      If we do not speak out we are also to blame for the undemocratic actions of government.

      Argulion

      Aug 5, 2011 at 9:12am

      Just like the HST, the PRO-side is coming from the individuals that profit from smart meters. The CON-side is coming from health organizations, people with forethought, and the many that have already been exposed to the smart (stupid) meter fiasco in other parts of the world.

      I also find it odd that Hydro requested a rate increase to 'upgrade and maintain infrastructure' but didn't need an increase for the billion dollars or so for new meters.

      Goldorak

      Aug 5, 2011 at 4:26pm

      Let's recall that the push for "smart" meters -as if a meter that simply record your consumption like we had was unsmart..." is backed up by... BIG Green.

      glen p robbins

      Aug 5, 2011 at 4:45pm

      Initiate lawsuit against BC Hydro - and others relating to interest rates charged. Any fees or other than interest provided for must be included as interest on an equivalent basis ie 22% per annum - the interest quoted is not the actual equivalent interest with fees and penalties. (Essentially any consumer that pays their charge card or utility or even property tax late is being overcharged on interest and section 4 of the Canada Interest Act clearly states in such cased the Interest must be reduced to 5% per annum.

      I am hoping to see what information I can discover about these costs/ - but cynical about the real roles played by the courts in such circumstances - not on the side of the consumer.

      We polled Vancouver Island residents who very clearly don't want these

      Ken Long

      Aug 5, 2011 at 7:33pm

      First of all, I enjoy reading what has been stated before I comment. Now four commenter wanted to shot the messenger. I posted my message and sanity has returned. The low IQ gentlemen are not willing to demonstrate their lack of knowledge. Secondly, I was disappointed that before my first comment there was no comment from a gentleman named GLEN.Now that his comment is recorded, I can move on. Ms Flipflop appointed a certain gentleman to review the smart meter plan. I think he over dosed on stupidity pills when he suggested all is well.The Times Colonist in Victoria had a cartoon showing a smart meter asking the home owner why he was using his toaster during peck period, Yes, this is a invasion of privacy. Next, the smart meter will stop me when I type a letter to the editor.To conclude, I personally think that if a person does not want a smart meter their wish should be obeyed. If non smart meters are truly unavailable than surely a company will manufacture the item as there will be a demand. That will be a demand by the public. The voting public.Hello Ms Flipflop, please come to the rescue. If you read my comment I thank you. Be brave , make your own comment but do not shot the messenger., Cheers.