Jonathan Kruger is the Chief of the Penticton Indian Band – he has written a strong two page letter to FortisBC with major concerns about rates and the effect of such on his people.

 

Attention: Bob Gibney, Executive Liason First Nations

“we wish to register our formal complaint” to the rate structure approved by BC Utilities Commison and implemented in January 2013.

“we wish to further register our  outrage regarding yet another rate  increase” planned for 2014.

Kruger says he and his council are the elected leaders and acknowledge responsibility to govern and ensure the health and well being of all members within the reserve.

Letter dated in September but just obtained from Regional  District Okanagan Similkameen

Kruger states in this letter to FortisBC that there are members of “our community” who continue to struggle to survive within a very limited and fixed income. Increases, he says, add to the anger and frustration that all First Nations are experiencing while being subjected to mis-treatment, program changes, and funding cut-backs by the federal government.

The Penticton Indian Band Chief goes on to say that smart meters, long standing issues of power lines and high pressure gas lines on PIB land inhibiting the use of same by members with limited compensation are disturbing while companies continue to generate millions of dollars in profits.

Kruger says members of his band have demanded that Native Leaders speak out and his council is open to discussion at any time.