I am writing this letter on behalf of a consumer action group.
Homeowners in Alberta are experiencing a problem with their (untreated) pine shake roofs. The situation has received some recent coverage in local newspapers and on TV, but for the most part, it is just starting to come into focus as a major problem for about 10,000 homeowners.
Our group is a collection of homeowners who find we are facing a considerable expense to replace our rotting pine shakes rooftops. As a group, we will total over 20,000 voters - and demographically we are the ones who traditionally vote at every election and influence others.
However, this is not just "a homeowner's problem". In this instance, it will affect all taxpayers because there are a number of public buildings, which have the "roof rot" in their pine shakes. Some of these structures include:
We would like to have the opportunity to negotiate with you on this issue. We believe that our rooftops should be replaced, not repaired. We are not looking for a handout; it is our opinion that the homeowner should, in the end, pay for a portion of their new roof.
We have approached Alberta Labour (in writing) to try to obtain information and assistance. Our members have contacted their MLA's, and been told "buyer beware"! Officials in your government persist in deflecting concerned homeowners to contact their builders and the manufacturer of their shakes regarding this problem.
In our opinion, the Alberta Government is primarily responsible for this problem, and our research team has obtained documentation to support our views. Some of the information is available at our web site (http://www.picture-this-graphics.com/shakes).
On June 2, 1998, we retained the law firm of Field Atkinson Perraton. While we believe that a negotiated settlement is in everyone's best interest, we are prepared to proceed with legal action against the Government of Alberta in the Court of Queen's Bench if necessary.
There is a fair and equitable solution to this problem. As Premier, you should know that by compensating homeowners in short order, you will have an opportunity to restore our faith in the Alberta pine shake industry, and to ward off the potential to destroy it - which is not our intent. You could also create a mini-boom in Alberta by helping to stimulate the economy (through the provision of jobs for roofers, manufacturers of shakes, building inspectors, etc). As well, your government will continue to have our support, and Revenue Canada will collect the GST!
We look forward to your speedy response to this situation, and we trust that you will again choose to do the right thing.
Fred D. Holtslag
(Group Representative)
Facsimile: (403) 419-2550
Cc:
Field Atkinson Perraton, Barristers & Solicitors