August 15, 2013 • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BC Hydro continues to bully to install smart meters despite Bill Bennett’s promise to respect refusals On Tuesday, Aug. 13, Mr. Jurgen Goering of Nanaimo was confronted at his home by a “burly, intimidating” Hydro worker who, in front of Mr. Goering, ripped off a sign, broke a protective cover and forcibly pulled hardware from where it was securely mounted – thus ignoring all clear indications that a smart meter was refused. “I did not know what to do. He was big and full of intent. I felt quite intimidated, “ said Mr. Goering. Energy Minister Bill Bennett has pledged to end the bullying and the threatening behaviour condoned by Rich Coleman – to strike a new note with the public. On July 11 he said, “We don’t want to force people to have a smart meter if they really don’t want one. It’s not our intention to offend people or bully people.” Not only did BC Hydro’s employee frighten Mr. Goerling, but he also committed vandalism when Goerling’s property was damaged, and his ‘no trespass’ sign was ripped off: this is trespass according to the BC Trespass Act. It is apparent that either BC Hydro did not get Mr. Bennett’s message, or else the message’s intent was short-lived. Mr. Bennett must respond by demanding that the analog be replaced on Mr. Goering’s home, his property replaced, an apology made, reparation made for damages inflicted and Hydro told, in no uncertain terms, that such actions will not be tolerated by this minister. Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters said, “There is no place in our democracy for this violation of personal space, damage to personal property and intimidation. Our civil rights are supposed to be guaranteed by the government, but it is obvious that we must fight to maintain them.” –––– 30 –––– Contact for media only, not for publication Sharon Noble, Director, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters, email: [email protected] • phone: (after 9:00 am) 250-478-7892 Steve Satow, Advisory Board Member, Coalition to Stop Smart Meters, [email protected] • 250-744-2244 stopsmartmetersbc.ca
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 17:52:02 +0000
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