Over 30 people gathered at the College of the Rockies Wednesday night to watch the documentary Thirst. Thirst shows the attempts at water privatization throughout India, South America and the United States and the actions of its citizens facing this serious threat to their water. The movie spends a considerable amount of time on the battle in Stockton, California and its city councils' attempt to privatize water services. A citizens group was formed and attempts were made to force a referendum on this particular issue. While not initially successful the water supply was eventually returned to municipal control. Water has become a highly politicized issue and the main question seems to be the conflict over considering access to water as a human right or whether it should be considered a commodity bought and sold by large multinational corporations. After the movie the audience took part in an engaged discussion around the following questions
1) Are there any concerns around water in Cranbrook?
2) Are there things we should be watchful of?
3) Are there things we can do as individuals or groups?
We in Cranbrook are not without concerns about our water and it is important for us to become educated about local water issues and if necessary pressure local and provincial governments to make decisions that reflect local interests and values.
To voice any concerns you may have about water:
http://ourwaterbc.ca/
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