NDP Leader Duguay to New Brunswick: Only the NDP will keep NB Power in New Brunswick's hands

October 29, 2009

FREDERICTON- New Democratic Party Leader Roger Duguay repeated his firm opposition to the sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec, following today's announcement by Premier Shawn Graham and Quebec Premier Jean Charest.

"Keep the power in New Brunswick and New Brunswick in charge of NB Power. The NDP stands with New Brunswickers: We say no to this deal."

Duguay and the NDP, which has been at record heights in recent opinion polls, expressed concern over Shawn Graham giving Hydro Quebec tax exempt status, the cap on the five-year rate freeze, and the revelation that Point Lepreau will not be part of the proposed deal. "This deal is bad for business, bad for citizens, and bad for our province. A handful of big corporations will benefit but the rest of us will lose an important asset, and we'll lose control to another province.", said Duguay.

Duguay pointed to years of Liberal and Tory mismanagement of the Crown Corporation: "The Conservatives won't oppose this deal. Before they had 'conditions' to cover up their lack of a position. Now they want a Christmas election in the middle of a flu epidemic, an election that means they wouldn't have to stand up in the Legislature and vote no. New Brunswick needs a party that will say what it means, and the NDP say no to Liberal deals, and yes to New Brunswick Power."

"NB Power needs reform. It can be an efficient, profitable and accountable corporation. New Brunswickers can make that happen: we can run our own province, we don't need to outsource our problems. Shawn Graham is outsourcing his government to Quebec City; the NDP is here to take it back," stated Duguay.