Editor:
The BC Liberal government has failed us again, just like they did with the HST.
This time the situation is more serious, given the health concerns connected to smart meters. And yet the mandate by government was still made without any public consultation whatsoever.
Premier Christy Clark’s comments after the UBCM voted for a moratorium on smart meters in order to have time to investigate legitimate health concerns were not only arrogant, they were incorrect.
First, while she gave herself time to research and ask questions, she did not afford this same luxury to citizens. Second, she clearly did not examine evidence from the World Health Organization, who list electromagnetic fields from smart meters as a possible carcinogen.
She also said electromagnetic fields are already in our lives, so more shouldn’t matter. While it is true cellphones and wireless Internet access give off these waves, people still have a choice to use a cell or to have wireless, or to frequent establishments with wireless.
With the increase in electromagnetic fields comes further evidence of its harmful effects. More people find they suffer from electrohyper-sensitivity, which the Canadian Human Rights Commission recognizes as an environmental sensitivity.
Why should the opinion of one person overrule the opinions of at least two major organizations and the voices of thousands across the province?
Amanda Driedger, Surrey
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When I first learned of smart meters in 2009, I called BC Hydro to let them know the radiation would be deleterious to my medical condition. I was told BC Hydro was aware some people are sensitive to radiofrequency radiation, and engineers were working on options.
In 2010, I was again assured BC Hydro was committed to accommodating those individuals known to be affected by this type of radiation, and that if engineers could find a way for me to keep my analogue meter, they would.
Forward to 2011 and a 180-degree shift in policy. BC Hydro is no longer willing to recognize even the word of my medical doctor that I must avoid radiofrequency radiation.
I have gone from reassuring promises to wondering whether I will have my electricity cut off because of my medical restrictions.
I am grateful to the municipal delegates at the UBCM who voted for a province-wide moratorium on the smart-meter program until a safe alternative is available.
A. Churchill, Surrey
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An open letter to Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg.
It is with great concern that I find we are legislated to have smart meters installed on our homes.
The health effects could be significant. This according to the World Health Organization, this body having recently classified the emissions from wireless devices, which include wireless smart meters, as possibly carcinogenic to humans, in the same category as DDT, car exhaust, chloroform, dry cleaning chemicals, welding fumes, lead…
As well, the taxpayers could be spared the huge cost of having this installation stopped; it will most certainly have to be stopped or uninstalled – as it has in other jurisdictions – when more information became available.
Dorothy Randall, Surrey