To Mayor Katz and City Councilors of Winnipeg
From the undersigned residents of the city of Winnipeg
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Given that water is a basic necessity for life and a human right,
Given that our water utility belongs to us, the citizens of Winnipeg and we have a say in
what happens with it,
Given that there is a global water shortage and private companies are trying to profit from
it by gaining control of municipal water systems,
Given that bringing in a private partner would lock us in to such a contract and could open us up to being sued under Chapter 11 of NAFTA should future councils vote to dissolve the relationship with the private partner reestablishing public control, and
Given that the public was not properly consulted,
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• I am opposed to the city’s proposal to bring in a private (for profit) partner who would receive up to 49% control of our waste water service. Such a partnership will make the price of something as essential as water services increase and be less affordable especially for lower-income citizens.
• I want my water and waste water services to remain publically financed, owned, and operated. I insist you adhere to the motion you passed in March 2006 stating that our water services would remain public.
• If you approve a private partner, I will not vote for you in the next election.