The Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) Local 2301 will be hosting an open public community forum to discuss the Energy Purchase Agreement (EPA) between Alcan and BC Hydro.

The forum will be held at the Mount Elizabeth Theatre on Thursday, November 15th starting at 7 p.m.

Starting on Monday, November 19th in Vancouver the B.C. Utilities Commission will begin the oral hearing process of the EPA review, to determine if the agreement is in the public interest of British Columbians.

Since the EPA was made public over a month ago, CAW 2301 representatives have been busily meeting with numerous community groups from Kitimat, Terrace and Alcan senior management in efforts to develop a common understanding of the Unions concerns.

CAW 2301 is concerned about the lack of assurances for modernization and continuity of future operations, especially in light of the recent takeover of Alcan by Rio Tinto, and the current news events of a takeover of Rio Tinto by BHP Billiton.

At this meeting presentations will be made on the status of the current operations, background on Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, the efforts CAW 2301 has made to secure the modernization project, and a overview of the presentation that will be made by CAW 2301 at the BCUC hearings the following week.

The meeting is open to everyone, and all CAW 2301 members and concerned citizens of the region are strongly urged to attend.