Graham government refuses to allow reasonable time for scrutiny: Alward

FREDERICTON – Opposition Leader David Alward is disappointed that the government would not commit to allowing at least 30 days for the public and members of the legislature to review the details of the final NB Power sale agreement.

“By voting down this Opposition motion, the Graham government has confirmed that they are not willing to allow adequate time for this deal to be reviewed by the public and by elected members,” said Alward. “This confirms for me that the government intends to push this deal through regardless of opposition to the deal.”

Alward also says by voting down the motion, the government proved that its often stated comment that it wants New Brunswickers to be informed on the details is nothing more than rhetoric.

Premier Graham has publicly stated that he feels New Brunswickers aren’t capable of determining whether or not the deal is a good one, but Opposition members know this is both insulting and inaccurate.

“This is one of the most important matters to come before the legislature in decades,” said Alward. “While Premier Graham has publicly stated that he feels New Brunswickers aren’t capable of determining whether or not the deal is a good one, the fact is that New Brunswickers are actively engaged in evaluating this deal. They have organized themselves, have spent countless hours analyzing the details of the deal and they realize that the details of the final agreement are what will be really telling. It is an incredible lack of respect toward New Brunswickers that details will be kept from them until just before the contract is signed.”

“This government knows that if they provide the details of the final sale agreement and allow the public and Opposition members ample time to review them, they will face even greater public backlash than they’ve seen thus far,” concludes Alward. “It appears the government simply doesn’t care what the people think; they are going to bulldoze it through regardless.”

Media contacts: Tyler Campbell, 506-453-3484, Tyler.Campbell@gnb.ca or Jane Matthews-Clark, 506-453-8762,Jane.Matthews-Clark@gnb.ca, Communications, Office of the Official Opposition.