Corporations must turn a profit
Editor:rnRe: Fortis Nk'Mip substation and Osoyoos transmission line project CPCN applicationrnA corporation like Fortis has an internal drive that is comparable to a human's will to live.
Once a corporation is publicly traded, it must return a profit, it must grow, and it must externalize costs to the extent more than feasible.
These are essential characteristics of the corporate form. If a corporation fails to provide a decent return for investors/shareholders, those investors can (and do) sue for breach of fiduciary trust.
This requirement to turn a profit narrowly limits what corporations can do. In general, what is unprofitable cannot be pursued.
The most well meaning Fortis employees must do what is profitable, which is not necessarily what is right. Corporations must grow for a variety of reasons. In general, larger size brings stability. It also brings greater market shares. It also brings a measure of political power, which allows corporate managers to manipulate the political environment within which the corporation must operaternYou must realize that corporations are hierarchical and authoritarian in the extreme. Workers at the bottom take orders from bosses above them, and workers and middle managers can be fired at any time for any reason. Corporations are responsible only to stockholders and are created exclusively to produce a profit for those stockholders, even if it involves harm to humans. Corporations are simply not democratic. Indeed, many corporations are not only undemocratic, they are aggressively anti-democratic, seeking to undermine efforts to expand democratic decision-making within many countries.
There are no national standards in North America for exposure to 60 Hz electric or magnetic radiation (EMR). In the U.S. several states have addressed the EMR issues, usually during regulatory proceedings for proposed transmission lines. Some U.S. cities and counties (i.e. Camas, Whatcom County) have adopted ordinances or have taken other actions aimed regulating transmission line EMR. In almost all of these cases the actions were taken in response to local controversies about EMR adverse issues that developed over proposed transmission line projects. Some of the ordinances do apply the precautionary principle and/or follow the doctrine of prudent avoidance.
We are not against power lines; they must be placed somewhere but in a way that people's personal rights are not interfered. Solutions can be found in an open and honest dialogue between the parties involved. But first, all the information must be available, so everyone is able to make an informed decision. Take part in the present hearing process, contact BC Utilities Commission via fax: 604-660-1102, or e-mail: Commission. [email][email protected][/email]
Hans KarowrnOsoyoos
rnEditor:rnThis Christmas the Osoyoos Yoga Group would like to give the gift of appreciation to Inge Van Traa.
Inge has volunteered her time as a yoga teacher for 15 years. Over that time hundreds of people have benefited from her sense of humour and her challenging yoga poses. Inge's present to us has been to help us to live in the here and now ie. to be present in the present.
We have been inspired by Inge's support of her husband Jan as he started the Food Bank in his garage about 12 years ago. With the help of many dedicated volunteers, including Pat and Bev Howard, the Food Bank grew and for several years included the distribution of Christmas gifts to children in our community.
Inge was also a local leader in the Canadian Cancer Campaigns and you may have seen her working in the Golden Cancer Garden at the Pioneer Walkway.
Inge and Jan have now passed the torch on to a number of generous groups and individuals who carry on the great work that they started.
We wish Inge and Jan a very special Christmas with their family this year.
Osoyoos Yoga Group
