Well the selling of NB Power by Shawn Graham is a much debated issue and one that New Brunswickers should think about strongly. In my opinion the selling of NB assets is such a bad move for New Brunswick in so many ways. Yes it may relieve New Brunswick from 4 billion in debt, yes it may freeze cost increase to NB customers for 5 years but what is the hidden agenda behind Hydro Quebec so willing to help out and pay so much money. What’s not really being told to the public behind those closed doors? Do you honestly think that the people in New Brunswick will know everything that is said concerning the sale of NB Power? No, they pick and choose what to tell the public. Mark my word that the sale of NB Power may not affect us now as price increases will be frozen for 5 years but it will after that time frame is up. NB Power sale to Hydro Quebec will be one of the worst decisions made in the history of New Brunswick.
Why do you think Hydro Quebec wants to buy NB Power? Do you not think that they will not want to recoup costs that are being spent on the purchase of NB Power. Come on people! It’s business and the price increase will happen after the 5 years is up. For all those people who agree with the sale of NB Power you enjoy the price freeze for power for now, they’ll get their money back later mark my word. It’s business, they have a plan, a hidden agenda, whatever you want to call it.
Here is something you all must read and is proof of what will go on by N. L. Premier Danny Williams if Hydro Quebec buys NB Power:
‘I caution you that, based on our experience with Hydro-Québec, a short-term opportunity can turn into a long-term loss of significant magnitude,’ N.L. Premier Danny Williams said in a letter to N.B. Premier Shawn Graham.
Think of this, it wasn’t so long ago that Quebec wanted to separate from Canada and be their own country. I think it’s still the case. They are trying to become an independent country and they will separate from Canada and then we will be relying on another country for New Brunswicks power. They will hold all the cards! If they want to jack the price of power up they will! The more power they get, money and so on they will separate from Canada and we will be relying on them for power. I’ve even heard that other provinces like PEI are going into discussions with Hydro-Quebec. If they own all the power and energy within the Atlantic Provinces, do you honestly think that good things can come after the experiences that Newfoundland had with them. Wake up everyone!
A wonderful comment I read was about how Shawn Graham said he wants a self sufficient province. Well how can we be self sufficient when you are selling NB Power?? Your selling our energy! What a contradictory statement if I ever seen one before.
Stand up and speak out on what you think of the sale of NB Power. Voice your thoughts and this will be forwarded to the Government of New Brunswick. Speak up New Brunswick and let Shawn Graham really know how the people of New Brunswick think of his decision. There are over 757,000 people in New Brunswick, not all will disagree with the decision but a very large majority does. Shouldn’t the people have a say what goes on with NB Power?
WANT A CHANCE TO SPEAK UP AND STAND OUT AND BE HEARD?
THERE IS A RALLY GOING ON ON TUESDAY NOV.17TH AT NOON AT THE LEGISLATURE IN FREDERICTON. COME DOWN AND STAND UP TO SHAWN GRAHAM. LET HIM KNOW THAT NEW BRUNSWICK IS NOT IN SUPPORT OF THE SALE OF NB POWER TO HYDRO QUEBEC!!!
TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW. COME DOWN AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
DON’T SELL NB POWER! Lets rally together and voice our say New Brunswick! We’ll all pay in the long run with Hydro-Quebec buying NB Power.
NO TO THE SALE OF NB POWER…
I just created a Facebook Group called ” SAY NO to Sale Of NB POWER! STAND UP SPEAK OUT NEW BRUNSWICK!
GO JOIN and lets stick together on this issue New Brunswick!
Moncton Blogger, I used your photo on your post, I hope you don’t mind. I will link to your post as well from the group.
SPEAK OUT, SAY NO TO SHAWN GRAHAM!
Lets keep NB Power NEW Brunswick and not let Hydro-Quebec control our destiny.
Say No to Sale of NB Power and show up at the Rally on Nov.17 at noon at the Legislature in Fredericton to show in person that the peoples of NB are not in favor of this.Shawn claim that we are only small group sitting at computers bitching lets show him in person,,,come one come all bring a friend,bring your family lets stand united its our future we are talking about
Hey John, that’s fine about using the picture. I’ll have to go check out the Facebook Group.
@ Trucker Smith, I will go and put news about the rally on Tuesday Nov. 17th at noon at the Legislature in Fredericton. Hopefully a lot of people will show up and show to Shawn Graham that this issue matters. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
EVERYONE! SAY NO TO THE SALE OF NB POWER!!!!!
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no to the sale of nb power
bad deal -rip-off
Leave our power in NB
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO to sale of NB Power
I’m also saying no to the sale of NB POWER; because i believe that whatever little bit that N B has should stay in the province . We’ve made it this far we might as well hold on for the long haul . I hope that our officials will listen to the people that voted for them . If we don’t sell yes we have a dept but it’s not like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel . So let’s unkerdown people and unite we can get through this . Let’s all say No To The Sale Of NB Power;.
To the moncton blogger you can send me emails concerning this subjects. thank you.
I’m also saying no to the sale of NB POWER; because i believe that whatever little bit that N B has should stay in the province . We’ve made it this far we might as well hold on for the long haul . I hope that our officials will listen to the people that voted for them . If we don’t sell yes we have a dept but it’s not like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel . So let’s unkerdown people and unite we can get through this . Let’s all say No To The Sale Of NB Power;.
NO To The Sale Of NB Power …….BIG MISTAKE
no sale get rid of mismanagement
NO NO TO THE SALE OF NB POWER TO QUEBEC
Doesn’t make any sense really…..this is coming from the same province that doesn’t want to be part of Canada!!!! It just goes to show that they want all the power, and then they will pull out!! Keep N.B. Power in our province……If Shawn Graham want to be part of Quebec so badly, maybe he can move there….because we don’t want him!!!! We need to stand up for our rights, everyone needs to speak out!!! Out with Graham in with N.B. Power!!!!
Say yes! every government in the past 20 years has thought about selling it including Bernard Lord! he spent 3.5 million on a study to sell it! why? We could have used that cash on education and health care. because it is Quebec? Foriegn investment, our mills,our mines are all owned by outside companies! people need to get the details first and understand them all.
Way to go Shawn!
My biggest question is why would we sell NB Power to Quebec of all provinces as they are the ones who would like to separate from us????? I would think that the no brainer answer to this is NO!!!!!!!! We should keep our ownership of NB Power !!!!!!
stand up for once new brunswick ,say no! this is our future this matter should be put to vote. if shawn graham fells this isnt political suicide and the people are with this proposel then why rush the sale why not let it go to the polls with his political career…….
A resounding no. A recent poll indicated that 60% of decided respondents opposed the sale. 18% said yes and 22% were undecided. How dare the Premier go forward when the message from we, the owners of NB Power is “Back off”!! These people are elected to represent, not ignore, us. We are not children and do not deserve this paternalistic “We know better” attitude.
The Premier and his colleagues try to defend their forge ahead approach by comparing this to previous events like Equal Opportunity and Official Bilingualism. This is not the same. Those issues were dealng with the social fabric of our province and ensured that no New Brunswickers were unnecessarily disadvantaged. This is just a business deal and a bad one at that. Period.
I have been more or less satisfied with this government until now. It is time for them to go. Unfotunately the damage may be done by then.
Shame on you Premier Graham.
I enjoy all the comments, but lets stop talking about it and stand up together and try to figure how we can crush this bad deal. I don’t know how or if we can but let me know if you have any suggestions, and I’m there.
Dear Mr./Mrs. I
am aware and have examined the plan to sell NB Power to Quebec. I
realize this was done in secret without telling the public beforehand
and we are being subjected to a wasteful one million dollar program to
try to sell us on a deal which over 80% of population are opposed to. A
deal which does not have …an… expiry date.
I request as a member sharing the views of the majority of your
constituency you consider three options to sit as independent, to cross
floor to another party or resign. I can assure you myself and most
other citizens of NB will not vote for your party next election and
many more myself included will never vote for your party ever again
having to live with Shawn Graham’s blunder forevermore. Yours sincerely, Your name
Folks
feel free to cut and paste and use the preceding letter as a framework
to send to all MLAs of Liberal persuasion and feel free to call them
24/7 even if it means leaving a short to the point message with your
name and contact number. The freedom of our Province is at stake. The
freedom to make choices desired by …th…e
majority in a democracy. The freedom Shawn is not allowing us to have
in his proclaimed dictatorship of the business/imperialist elite.
Shawn Graham cannot be trusted to negotiate anything. Consider his record of promising the PST rebate on electric power, promising to not raise taxes stating tat NB Power was not for sale,. being forced by courts to change the French Immersion plan and to honour the agreement with doctors
Shawn Graham has misled New Brunswickers about rebating the PST on electric power, not raising taxes, not selling NB Power and has been forced by courts to honour the agreement with doctors and to change the French Immersion program.
He can’t be trusted to negotiate anything
We should be able to live in our own contry without having to worry about the french taking over. So I say NO to selling our power to the french.
u have sunk to a new low. people choices matter . lets stand together against this.
Canada should stick together against this.
Absolutely a BAD BAD BAD idea!!! The only one this is benefiting is Hydro Quebec and no doubt Shawn Graham. We should have a choice, we pay taxes, this is our provience so the ones in power better start listening to what the people want…….NO NO NO NO NO NO NO to the sale!
NO to selling our power to quebec !NO To The Sale Of NB Power …….IT WILL BE A BIG MISTAKE
I say NO to the sale of NB Power to Hydro-Quebec!!!!!
no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, to the sale of NB Power to Quebec Hydro…this is a very bad move for everyone concerned except Quebec. Keep it in NB!
An issue of this importance to the future of nb’ers needs to be decided by an election. We elected you on a platform which included a promise not to sell NBPower, you’ve changed your mind….Nb’ers, the shareholders of NbPower need to vote on this decision and give you a new Mandate if you can convince them of how good a deal this is….Be in the dark, in this place……..
STAND UP AND SAY NO
It is time for NB to get off its knees, and stand tall and proud. They have taken enough away from NB’ers; the forests, our deer herds, trains, our youth, and now they want the hydro. Leave something for tomorrow. If NB Power is such a bad thing, why would another province want it so bad? The youth of Quebec are not leaving there like they are in NB, so something is keeping them there. Stop giving away our pride, instead, work towards rebuilding NB, we have one of the most beautiful provinces, lets keep something for tomorrow, stop selling us short. The people of NB have a voice, and they should be heard, and listened to. Stand up and say NO.
Is that all shawn graham has better to do but sell everything in new brunswick…. i mean come on …… i live in dalhousie and we lost everything in this town because of politician .. i say stand together new brunswick and let stop letting this fat cats push us around..
This is first and foremost a New Brunswick issue and one the people need to fight tooth and nail. Secondly however it’s also a national concern. When one provincial body (make no mistake that’s what Hydro Quebec is) can build a power monopoly that is forcing other provinces to try to find a route around parts of Canada simply to be able to bring their power to market (should the sale go through) it’s a sad day for Canadian unity.
Don’t think this will go away, Shawn & Jack!! The only thing that will be going away wil you you two and the rest of the Liberal party. NO SALE!!
You did not have an agenda to sell ANYTHING when you were elected.
You are a corrupt government and need to be removed!
I think the government has to much power in there hands, who gives the politicians the right to sell off our province whenever they feel like it. We voted these people in we had a say in there position and they are suppose to be our voices. shaddy deals behind close doors is not what we elected these people to do. Something as big as this that will effect ALL the Maritime provinces , I think we the people of the Maritimes should vote on this and let the Maritime people have there say in this, than to leave it to a few politicians who think about only filling there wallets.
If the sale of NB Power is such a great deal for NB It will still be a great deal after the election. Let the people of NB have a vote! Keep your campaign promises Shawn Graham, NB Power must stay an asset of New Brunswick. Don’t sell the cow, sell the milk.
You would think that such an important decision that will impact the people of this province for years to come should be voted upon by the people of this province.
It should not be up to the political party that is in power at the moment to make a decision that will haunt us long after the name Graham is just a bitter memory.
I am astonished by Shawn Graham’s decision. He is clearly only thinking in terms of ways to get NB out of debt. His solution of selling our province’s power is outrageous and not one that was well thought out. It’s coming at the worst time too- the refurbishment which he was totally on board with (or so we thought)…come on now- let’s get our power back!!!!!!!!!!!
I have just finished reading a presentation by the deputy minister of energy give in May of this year.http://www.aims.ca/library/AtlanticaLePage.pdf.
It was an excellent presentation and painted a picture of a bright future for NB in the energy sector. The research gone into the study must have been done at a considerable expense.
So why this sudden turn around from being an energy creator and distributor, to one of subservience to another province. Why spend public funds to conduct research which will benefit private corporations.
Once NB Power is sold this province will be completely out of this bright future the deputy minister spoke about in May of this year. It will be in the hands of Hydro Quebec and a small hand full of big businesses. And we, my fellow NBers , will gain nothing from it.
It also worries me that Alan Graham, the Premiers father, is at the helm of one of those businesses who will profit from this sale. Coincidence?
There are way too many questions to be answered regarding this deal to be rushing headlong into a dark tunnel. And the answers we have been getting so far have been inconsistent or have been out right falsehoods.
The most blatant falsehood came at the start of Grahams campaign to sell the utility when he said it would reduce the provincial debit. This was debunked by our own Auditor General and then latter by Moody’s and Poors Bond rating agency.
NB Power as it transpired, was self sustained and not part of the provincial debit at all. In fact it was a profitable venture paying down 1,3 billion of its debit over five years and making a nice profit over that same period. If the provincial government hadn’t used NB Power for its personnal piggy bank it could have paid down even more of its debit.
The bottom line here is that due to the inconsistant statement and outright falsehood made by the Liberal government, the people have lost all trust in the government. And unless we can be convinced by an independent agency that this sale has merit, we will all continue to fight to stop anyone from taking something away from us that doesn’t rightfully belong to them.
NO To The Sale Of NB Power …….BIG MISTAKE
Just as we have heard before on many issues..Like the promise accompanying Point Lepreau-Lower engery rates..Did THAT happen? Nope!! How about that natural gas deal..Cheaper rates? Nope!!Now he wants to sell us out to a province that keeps threatening to separate??Promising lower rates..??Yeah, I’m sure that this is a backroom deal..(my opinion)who’s making money down the road on this one??I bet it won’t be New Brunswickers.Follow the money trail and you’ll be surprised who is behind this deal and why they want it so badly..If this does go thru, does that mean that any future energy sources ex: alternate energy sources,wind turbines..ect are controlled by them??Will we loose our rights to future energy development?? I bet it does..be very leary peoples.This is happening very fast.That usually means something stinks and, it may be quite awhile before we find out just how we’ve been duped.Guaranteed it will be too late to correct the problem by then.Full disclosure of proposal should be made to the general public and put to a public vote.This will effect generations to come.Who is this gov’t to make such a long term impact on those generations without proper public vote on this
I think Hydro-Quebec wants to buy NB Power to block the New England corridor from Newfoundland. “It takes money to make money”; Newfoundland is making money from offshore oil and now has the means to pursue capital projects. These projects could include further development of hydro projects in Labrador. I believe Quebec fears Newfoundland will compete with them with New England sales. Newfoundland has been investigating routing a underwater power line to Cape Breton through Nova Scotia – New Brunswick to Maine. This is only one reason. There are many. Hydro Quebec is afraid of Danny Williams and the people of New Brunswick may pay for it.
1st we lost NBtel, who was tops in the world for communications!
Then we lost Fundy Cable….and now this idiotic, insane idea to sell NB Power!!!!
Whoever is responsible for this INSANE, NARCISSISTIC idea, should give their head a shake!
A lot of us can NOT afford what NB Power charges now…..we CAN’T take much more……….Is it our fault, that NB Power sells power to the USA, and Quebec, CHEAPER than for US!!!!!????
I would personally like to meet these people, to see how come they want us to believe in this “DELUSIONAL PLAN”!!!!!!!!!!!! Seems like all they want is: “TO SELL US OUT”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let us band together to STOP this asinine behaviour….and check to see if the 1′s in charge, are actually of SANE MIND?!
After all………………..It was “NOT US REGULAR PEOPLE,THAT BUILT THIS GIGANTIC DEBT”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m so tired of hearing people bash the french language and culture. It’s ignorant and insulting. Ms/Mrs Cote-Gallant don’t you know that your last name is french. This deal isn’t a language issue. It’s about selling off one of this provinces only revenue generating assets. NB power at least pays taxes in this province, something HQ won’t have to do. NB Power also made payments directly to the province of NB. These payments were made after NB Power made payments on its own debt.
NB Power is also more diverse as a utility with hydro and different fossil burning plants (coal, gas/diesel turbines) which give it more responsiveness in a flexible energy environment leading to more stability in service.
What really burns me is the fact that the people making this deal don’t have a clue and are arrogant enough not to want to get one. They lack the proper education and any relevant experience in the field yet they continue to spew the same old tired facts over and over (which have been rebuffed and proven to be false on numerous occasion). Where are the opinions and evaluations of engineers and economists that know the industry?
Further to the above comment. The government still continues to talk about NB being the energy hub. Actually it appears that it will be at the centre of an organization referred to as Atlantica. A group of corporations, which most likely includes Hydro Quebec, created to transfer, gas, oil and electricity to the Eastern Seaboard of the US. All of these corporations lumped together would result in the most massive energy supplier on the continent. Can you spell monopoly.
I believe there is definately a hidden agenda when it comes to this government and its proposed sale of NB. Power . This government alone has put this province in the biggest debt ever seen in years because of there spending . Common sense , NB Power is an industry that produces marketable power that sells at a sizeable profit. Those profits are given to the government to pay for such things as road repairs , education etc. So tell me how NB Power is in debt ??? It is this governments spending driving us in the ground , they have to go !!! NB power belongs to the people , it is not for sale !!!!!!
why would we sell the only nature resource that new brunswick has….
Keep our power in NB …no to the sale of NB Power
There has to be some way to stop this sale to Quebec Hydro. And also stop Shawn Garaham from doing any more damage to this province.
I am willing to support anyone who can put a stop to this sale.
I watched Question Period today on T V and could not believe Jack Keir. To think that the likes of him and Shawn Garaham were elected to represent the people of New Brunswick. Please Danny Williams, help us out if no one else can.
I am very concerned and afraid of what is actually in this deal with Hydro Quebec? And who will actually benefit from it in the long run? I hope for (NBer’s ) our sakes that we have a partial representative(s) who will go over it with a fine tooth comb, and tell us the truth. Or is this information (the details) not available to the citizens of NB. Why did we just hear about this when the MOU was signed. New Brunswickers have a right to know, and we do have a say, and we are saying NO to the sale of NB Power.
Selling NB Power would be the biggest mistake ever made in this province. NO, NO, and NO to the sale of NBP.
Keep our power commisson in this fine province. Please do not sell off our only money making companey.
I think it’s a very bad idea look at New Foundland now I bet their crying now look how much money they cost their own gov’t. It’s just bad for everyone look more for the future not just the present. If they do it you’ll lose respcet of the people. thanks matt
JUST SAY NO TO THE SALE OF NB POWER PLEASE
NB Power is NOT FOR SALE!!
To anyone at anytime
“NO TO THE SALE OF NB POWER”
Shawn you don’t have the right to sell NB POWER. IT BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW BRUNSWICK AS YOU HAVE QUOTED MANY TIMES
The sale of NB Power would only benefit Hydro Quebec. Leave NB Power to run itself, stop the government interference and let NB Power reap the future benefits of the work they are doing now. NB has a huge geographic advantage in the power industry that must not be given away.
A big ” NO ” to the sale of NB Power.
If this sale gets railroaded through the legislature we will never get NB Power back. This sale only benefits Quebec, which is why they are so keen to see it go through. Also this is why they will not renegotiate any of the deal that they have set up, it is a great deal for them!! This sale must be stopped. It is unethical and lacks integrity. Ask your children what INTEGRITY means and they will tell you – it means doing the right thing even when no one is watching you – a good lesson for some of our MLA’s and Premier to learn. How can we possibly TRUST anything that this government says about this deal or anything else for that matter when they try to shove it down our throat without getting the voters approval first? Perhaps if this deal goes through, in spite of the opposition, NBer’s should just join Quebec and then we won’t need any political parties in NB at all, just think of the money we would save on that deal!!!!
I grew up believing that you vote for who your parents vote for and have been a liberal supporter for most of my life. I would never consider voting for the liberals in this province again in my lifetime. Giving away our transmission system as a bonus gift with the purchase of a fully refurbished nuclear plant (only after it’s licensed and running.) is the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard tell of. These liberals lied their way into office and now they are trying to buy a second term while selling our future. Good riddance to Graham, Kier and company!
NBPower has been one of the few industries left in this province that helped to keep New Brunswick’s Sons and Daughters here in our beautiful province. NBPower is not only the employer of 2600 NB’ers, it is ranked by MacCleans as one of Canada’s top employers, it is also a part of our heritage as NB’ers. We will lose a valuable resource to this provinces economy and a valuable employer, taken away from the hands of our New Brunswick born children’s futures. Once this deal is done it wont be undone so come on people lets stop them from taking away another of the few money makers this province has left. What happened to our energy hub?
Mr. Graham, I am willing to pay the increased power rates that you say will come about if the deal is not signed by March 31. I think this is an artificial and arbitrary deadline, meant to scare people into agreeing to sell our resources to Hydro Quebec without putting your feet to the fire and answering the tough questions.
Your decision to sell NB Power is ill-thought out and full of fallacies and mistakes and too many open ended statements that do not give NBers sufficient protection in the future.
If NB Power has to be sold, we, the shareholders of New Brunswick, the taxpayers and the rate payers, want to have a say in it. Run for re-election on the platform of selling NB Power – if you are re-elected, you will have an HONEST mandate. Your current mandate is NOT to sell our assets out from under us!
I am Totally Against the transaction to sell NB Power to Hydro-Quebec. First of all, I thought we lived in a DEMOCRATIC province (and country). Here is a brief description (Mr Graham) :a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them
And you, Mr Graham are NOT representing what the MAJORITY of New Brunswickers want! The deal is so rotten, that you won’t even disclose the whole truth to New-Brunswickers! Instead, you’re in a big hurry, to make the “deal ” with Hydro-Quebec behind our backs, and most of all, without our input. If You would be so confindent that it’s such a Great Deal, then one would think that you would be more than happy to share the good news with us, fellow citizens of the province (who Elected You-to represent us, might I re-iterate)!
And……what’s with those THREATS that If you don’t sell to Hydro Quebec, that You’re going to Raise our Rates (of heating bills)….
ooooooooooo your so scary!!!! Haven’t they always been raised in the past few years??? What country are we living in? To get Threatened by our elected officials???? Woah just a second!
Let’s say You sell NB Power, what about those NEW GREAT rates for residential power????? WOW!!!! A freeze for 5 yrs!! Hey thats a Great Deal!!!
So we would be owned by a company, who would charge US more, than “their Quebec” residents!
Wow! Thats just a Great Start!!
Going on NB Power and Hydro-Quebec Sites, I found that generally, RESIDENTIAL fees for New Brunswickers will be of 9.69 cents/kWh, and Quebecers will be paying 5.45 cents/kWh (for the first 30 kWh/day) and then 7.46 cents/kWh for the balance of the day.
Hummmmm? Do we already see a trend here??? New-Brunswickers getting the “shit” end of the deal??? I think so!!!!!
What will happen to our rates after 5 yrs? 10 yrs? 20 yrs? What will the NB population have to say about those rates??? I believe the answer will be NOTHING!
I could go on and on about what I think about this deal. But its not just for me to speak up! Come on NBrunswickers. If you are Against it, WRITE to your MLA’S, in the papers, etc.
Voice your opinion!
The Liberal’s under Shawn Graham have done more damage to the economy of this province in their short period in office and have risen the debt level higher then any previous government and it is continueing to rise according to the Auditor General that soon it will be beyond the means of this province to govern unless they raise taxes to cover their debt. So the sale of NB power has nothing to do with the debt as NB Power is a revenue generating company. Where is the government going to replace the 500 million that came from NB Power to their general revenue. Raise the taxes I would imagine.
Everyone should be speaking out against this deal! The more you find out about it, the worse it looks. It isn’t any wonder Shawn Graham kept it such a secret, and why he’s had so little comment about it. It’s obvious to me the big businesses are pressuring him to go through with this deal since they’re the ones who are going to benefit from it (other than Quebec). Quebec has been wanting to separate for years, but it wasn’t a viable choice with them being in the middle of the country. If they get hold of our power, what’s next? Wouldn’t it be great for them to have the whole east coast of the country? They would have all the ocean ports, and it would be very easy to become a separate country from Canada. Some may think this is far-fetched, but at the very least, this is a bad deal for NB. They are saying what our cost for power will be at the end of the 5 years, which means they came name any price they want. Every fall I hear people talking about how expensive winter is, with the power bills we get; some people even have their power bill equalized because they find the winter bills too expensive. What will these people do if their summer bills are as high as the winter ones now? What about the land that belongs to NB Power now along the shores of the St John River? People need to wake up and complain and do anything they’re able to stop this from happening.
Leave the jobs and the utilties in New Brunswick! Only New Brunswickers can be trusted to ensure care for each other. I doubt some big wig in Quebec will give a damn about the small town worries of most of our NB customers. SAY NO!
no to sale ? rent the grid
no no
NO NO NO ! to the Sale of NB Power!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t sell NBPower;get rid of Shawn Graham
I think it’s crazy selling the NB power my question is……i thought that Quebec wants out of Canada and become their own country….if so then we would be paying another country for our power…..now does that make sense???But we know how it all is we’re just the little people that have no say…as long as the big guys get what they want…they don’t care about whose under them…..they all claim they do but if they really did they wouldn’t be selling OUR power company.
Well considering we don’t have a choice in the matter should say something. but all i’m going to say is look @ NBtel, and Fundy cable…that should pretty much sum it up for all of us…. look @ them now.
leave us the only think we have left in NB….. r taxe money pays for NB power so really we all payed for it and i dont think its right that u can go and sell something we payed for!!!how would u like if we went and sold everything u have??? i fell like if u r taking everything we have and u r selling it so y cant we do it to u?????
Do not sell NBPower. Let the people of NB have a vote on the deal.
I feel like I’ve been shafted twice. Put up with QH’s BS for too many years living in NL . So I retired and moved to NB ( Fredericton area). Low and behold it’s the same thing all over again. There is a big difference though. The people of NB still have it in their power to stop a bad deal. We just need to scream long and loud . They will back off I’m sure of it. 99.9% of politicians are nothing but chicken s**t anyway.
Shawn please dont sell N.B.power to Quebec.It will be a big mistake in the end.
NO!!! NO!!! NO!!!
I do not aprove of this N B Power sale and never will. It is ours and its not for give away i reject selling Quebec anything because of there motives.This is a inside masterminded theft for Quebec by a french gov. They know he well lose the next election, therfore he will be out as party leader so what a better fall guy.Iwill not vote in this province again until these lying,theves have to answer for what they do .There is far more honest in the mob than in gov, today
I would not have a problem to lease, or the sale of NB Power to Newfoundland.
But never Quebec……..If the deal goes through within 5 years my family and I will leave NB
Just say NO!
no sale to nb power
When we were young all learned that when bad situations were presented to us we…”Just Say No”
NO SALE!
i would like to say that i have three kids and it is hard enof rasing them on my own and getting the bills paid my power bill is over 200 dallars know a mounth so i hope you do not sell it to them couse i dont know how much more it is going to go up so please please dont sell couse if it goes up anymore i wont beable to pay it and we will have no power no heat really no nothing so rember us little guys thank you carissa greer
As a taxpayer and shareholder in NB Power you do not have my vote to sell ! I believe that you and your liberal party in power are finished ( I have voted liberal all my life but I can not support you or this party any more.) With that being said I could be convinced to change my mind with the sale of NB Power, should we shareholders be afforded the same rate deduction as the Industrial users … something to think about as you think about your future!
How can the NB Government justify selling NB Power? They say for cheaper power for the people! Really? We never got anything without paying for it before, and it isn’t going to happen now. Everything is gone from the Dalhousie area – that would be the last resort for any sort of livihood for the people here.
Graham is either very rich and doesn’t care about us, or else he is very stupid, which is very possible!
Lease the grid, keep the corporation, run it like a business,
I have just returned from Ottawa area were I was residing in Gatineau, Qc. I was horrified to hear that NBers were going to be loosing control of our publicly run electrical untility. What I was surprised to hear was the opposition in Quebec to the purchase. It is currently being discussed in political circles and it appears everyone on both sides were kept well in the dark. Hydro Quebec is a highly profitable company that would not purchase something they couldn’t make money with. So why can’t New Brunswickers make that profit? Do not sell NB Power. If it must be sold… open to sale to other options. Ie Nove Scotia
The Shawa Graham Government never received a mandate to sell NB Power. During the 2006 election he promised he wouldn’t sell NB Power. Shawn Graham now says that he changed his mind. Well he does not have the right to change his mind without allowing the people vote on this change. If he thought this was such a great deal why hide the fact that he was talking to Quebec for almost a year before he released the info to the public. I bet you he was actually sitting down with Quebec during the election and he just told people he wouldn’t sell NB Power just to get votes when all along the Liberal Party had plans to sell.
For those of Liberal persuasion rather than tear up your membership cards mail them back defaced with short statement why you are doing so. This action besides sending emails and calling MLAs at home 24/7 including Christmas Day and New Years will remind them we are their masters who can think if they cannot. Talks of …fine tuning deal is just crap we do not want our energy heart sold period. This fine tuning nonsense is telling us unrelenting pressure is causing cracks to form in Shawn Graham’s veil of deceit. Hammer those bastards in every way to destroy our common enemy the Liberal Party of NB.
I am the future of this province!
I am a young, educated, IT professional here in this province looking for the quality of life this part of the world provides. Low rates, stable industry, easy-going life style, good food, great people…
Why would I stay here if all that stuff is gone? The educated are leaving for better pastures, all my services are being sold off, my rates will go up (eventually) , causing my prices in food, housing, ect. to go up, industry will suffer because of those rates…
Why can’t our government LISTEN to us?
Want to make a BOLD move Mr Primer? Listen to what the people are telling you… maybe, just maybe… they will re-elect you!
Scott
The proposed sale of NB Power is the biggest issue ever to face our province. And the people of this province clearly do not want this sale to happen. A few months ago you and Jack were singing the praises of how NB Power would be the energy hub of Atlantic Canada. And it went from being a viable company to an Albatross around our necks. Your job is to protect our interests / assets like NB Power. To develop & improve them like leader with vision should.
HQ would never sell their assets to Ontario or any other province. And they keep saying they will pay off their investment within 5 years. It would seem their premier has vision. Ours is thinking of himself not the people who elected him. Shawn did you seek any advice from the people who know the power industry ? And I am not talking about the Irving’s. I would like to see a televised debate “ a fair debate” not hand picked by the liberals
DO NOT SELL ! how is a contract for that long even feasible ??
SAY NO!
NO NO to the sale of NB Power
Don’t sell out NB Let’s keep what is ours ,ours .Why are you giving Quebec N.B. resource
To sell off a business that produces an annual profit, and has paid down over $1.3 Billion on the debt in the last 5yrs is absolutely ridiculous!!!
To sell a business that the NB Government takes from to help finance services and infrastructure in the province to the tune of over $100 million/yr , where will this extra revenue come from?
To have a business in which your product is in high demand and will remain in high demand and increase as years go on. To sell this asset off is the wrong choice!!!
Remember this deal, once signed is irreversible.
Wake Up Liberals, This is REAL!! Quit toying around and do the right thing, Kill this Deal, its not a mistake we as NBers can live with.
No to the Sale of NB Power
If the liberals need to sell the NB Power Commission ,sell it to the citizens of NB Then we will benefit when profits are made through dividends Makes as much sense as selling to a province who for years has wanted to become a foreign country
My problem with this sale is what is not being said. We sell our assets, now isn’t this our best stuff, the thing that makes us money, we are left with Point Lepreau, now isn’t that the thing that we spend all our hydro money on now. So what happens after the sale, do I start getting a new bill in the mail to pay for Point Lepeau, right now I pay for Point Lepreau thrue my hydro bill. I am not saving anything with the sale of our nbpower. I am not making any money in my pocket (and I’m pretty sure someone gets money in their pocket, probably a big bonus for a job well done) all I see is that we are left with a big elephant called Point Lepreau. If Quebec wants to buy anything from me I would sell what I can’t afford , and I can’t afford Point Lepreau!
I say no let the people vote on it
nobody better vote for that nut in the next election. This will go down as the worst move by any government in the history of NB gov
I`m sayong NO TO THE NB POWER SELL TO QUEBEC AND YES LET`S GET RID OF SHAWN GRAHAM HE`S SUPOSE TO BE ON OUR SIDE AND HE TOOK THE DECISION ON IS OWN WHAT A PREMIER WE HAVE YEAH RIGHT HOPE YOUR GONE ON THE NEXT ELECTION!!!!!!
We can not be more in dept then what we are or will ever be no matter if it’s this or that. I was always told by older pp two things: 1.- You dont get nothing by doing nothing but most of all 2.- you need to get in dept if you want things (everythings as a cost and money doesnt fly down from above. *So no matter what our province will have dept. If it’s not for this it will be for something else! NP POWER is so important to New Brunswickers…it doesnt matter if it profitable as much as we would like for the province. It’s a part of US our history! I dont want my kids to grow up with Hidro Quebec…. f… we dont even get along with them for the most part! We dont think the same and surely dont act or do things the same way!!!! WHY WOULD SHAWN (ELECTED BY US PROMESSING US THE BEST FOR US) WOULD EVEN LOOK AT SUCH A TERRIBLE POSIBILITY! IF QUEBEC START RUNNING NEW-BRUNSWICK WITH OUR POWER. WE WILL RETALLIATE AND IT WILL NOT BE PRETTY. SO MR.PRIMINISTER DO WHAT WE THE PP FROM NEW-BRUNSWICK ARE ASKIG AND STOP PLAYING GAMES THAT YOU MITE REGRETS AT THE END!
Absolutely not! It’s a horrible deal in terms of risk to New Brunswick.
I’m saying NO to the sale of NB power to Quebec…
I say no to the sale of NB Power and no to the premier of Quebec
No! why can’t the premier just understand that the people say “no” and the people of NB are his boss.
This is a bad deal for NB…its our utilities, and the gov has no right to sell it!! how did we loose our vote on this utilities. Run NB power like a business and the debt will be diminished. Don’t sell our assets.
whats up with the liberal’s, NB POWER is NB’S biggest aset, NB POWER is the one’s responsible for paying Shawn Graham’s 10 billion doller debt. If this deal goes threw, that just gives the liberals room to make another debt. I say get those liberals out of parlement all together
In my opinion, for the Executive Council of the Province of New Brunswick to even consider the sale of NB Power to another entity, whether governmental, privately owned, or publicly traded, given the fact that they had no mandate to do so, and actually promised they would not do so during their election campaign, is an absolutely absurd, traitorous thing to do.
Have you read the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)? It reads like a flyer from a liquidation warehouse. Bargain after bargain at pennies on the dollar for a publicly owned electric utility that is profitable, viable, and sustainable. The MOU can be viewed and downloaded at http://www.lowerratesnb.ca/nb/.
The argument that the monies from the sale will be used to pay down our debt is absolutely moot. If I owned a personal vehicle worth $10,000 and I sold it to pay off a credit card, I would be left with no car, but my net worth remains the same. No big deal.
It’s a different story for NB Power. We own it now, but we have debt. If we sell it, we no longer have it, but we’ve lost earning power. And our net worth decreases because the company is worth more than the 4.5 billion dollar price tag.
NB power shows in their financial report, available online, net earnings of $70 million dollars for last year. How are we going to replace that income? The answer is, “my pocket and yours, year after year”!
NB Power has spent tons of money keeping their assets in “tip-top” shape, according to their financial summary available online. Therefore, this company should not be sold at a fire sale price.
The Graham government has no mandate to even consider this deal, let alone spend more of our money trying to make us believe it is for our own good. We should all be demanding an election over this issue.
Gary T. Bastarache
Moncton NB
Grass Roots Groing in…This Place
Y’all may not be aware that the Graham government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (the MOU) with Hydro Quebec, to sell, yes sell, all the assets of NB Power. The “MOU” is available at the government’s web site at: http://www.lowerratesnb.ca/nb/. Please read it if you are interested in the future of New Brunswick. Notice the convenient name? HAHAHAHA! The MOU document says that Hydro Quebec agrees not to increase residential rates in NB for five years. There’s no mention of lower rates anywhere…BUSTED!
There’s a growing grass roots movement in this “place”, who are opposed to the MOU, are protesting, and calling for an election, or at the very least a referendum.
Check out savenbpower.org and the facebook group “No to Sale of NB Power”. You don’t have to join facebook to see the discussion. Here’s a link to the “Wall” of the facebook group “NO to Sale of NB Power”: http://tinyurl.com/ya8d6h5.
I haven’t been so fired up and inspired to express my opinion since 1996 when Frank McKenna’s government stole my legally negotiated 5% wage increase. In fact, I’ve written four letters to the editor of the Times & Transcript in the past two weeks.
I would like to encourage you all to get involved, do some research and voice your opinion. It can be challenging and enjoyable. You may be led to believe that selling NB Power is a good idea. That’s okay. Just make sure those who are leading you don’t have ulterior motives. That’s all I can say for now.
Gary T. Bastarache
Moncton NB
Dear Members of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick,
I have read the “Memorandum of Understanding” for the proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec, posted on your website at: http://www.lowerratesnb.ca/downloads/MOU_EN.pdf.
I am completely in disagreement with this document and ask that you take a firm stance against it.
In recent days, I have discussed this issue with family and friends. I strongly believe the majority of New Brunswickers will not be convinced this deal is for the common good.
Please listen to your constituents and express their opposition of this deal to the Government.
Thank you,
Gary T. Bastarache
Moncton NB
Give Us the Cash Cow
(Published November 16, 2009, Times & Transcript
Cows may come and cows may go, but the MOU DOO in this “place” goes on forever. The MOU, Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of NB and QC, on the proposed sale (giveway) of our electrical utility, is available in all its glory at: http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/pre/2009e1698pr.htm.
Has anybody done the math? 4.5 billion dollars (price for phase one) divided by 750,000 (population of NB), works out to about $6000 for every man, woman and child in the province. That’s $24,000 for a household of 4 people.
I can buy my own 5000 watt solar/wind generating system, complete with battery/inverter backup system, for under $20,000. Mr. Premier, go ahead, sell us all up the river. Just give us our share of the money and we won’t need you, NB Power, or Hydro Quebec ever again.
Gary T. Bastarache
Moncton NB
Terms of Endearment (TOE)
A very large contingent of concerned New Brunswicker taxpayers is currently seeking 8 Liberal MLAs for immediate endearment to our cause. As a successful candidate, you shall have 20/20 foresight vision, the ability to listen attentively to your constituents, understand their serious concerns, have the comprehensive skills to fully understand the MOU and its implications for the future, have a strong voice in the Legislative Assembly with regard to our opinions, and be willing to demonstrate the strength of your backbone by getting to the bottom of the MOU doo pile.
As a successful candidate, you must also understand that this acronym TOE is a misnomer in the sense that you must not toe the Liberal Party line but you shall break ranks with the Executive if necessary. An altruistic character is a prerequisite for this position.
For more information on the concerns and opinions of this contingent please follow the threads of discussion on the facebook group NO to Sale of NB Power and the Save NB Power Blog available at SaveNBPower.org.
Your remuneration for agreeing to the TOE will be possible re-election next fall.
Gary T. Bastarache
Moncton NB
Remembering Klik and Kam
Remember that old TV commercial where the can of Klik luncheon meat tries to get his cousin Kam to say moo? But, he just can’t…because it isn’t in him. Well, the current public debate over the MOU brought this memory back to me. The Klik, also known as the Liberal Cabinet of New Brunswick is trying to sell the MOU. And the can of Kam, the opposition, just can’t agree to it.
I’m still trying to find a copy of that commercial, just to have another laugh as we did when we were kids. You know what? It turns out that Klik doesn’t even have any beef in it anymore, according to the list of ingredients at the Maple Leaf web site. It’s mainly pork, so let’s call the Liberal clique pig-headed.
On the other hand, the opposition Kam is a bit more diverse, having both pork and chicken as ingredients. But the latter ingredient doesn’t have to be construed chicken-hearted.
You may ask, where is the beef? Well, the Executive Council would have us believe they have the beef by constantly trying to sell the MOU. There is no beef in the MOU for New Brunswick. But, the taxpayers of this province can and will show the true force of a bull in a china shop if this train wreck of a deal is not stopped.
According to an article in the Telegraph-Journal by Candice MacLean, Wednesday, December 9, “Too many risks in deal”, at a community meeting hosted by Rothesay MLA Margaret-Ann Blaney Tuesday night, Blaney stated, “I’ve had hundreds of emails from people around the province”. She also said that fewer than 5 percent of those emails were from people in favour of the MOU.
I’m sure we can all assume with a high degree of certainty that the Graham Government already knows the opinion of the majority of New Brunswickers on this issue. They wouldn’t have to hire a consulting firm to take a poll on this issue, although we can also assume they already have, using more of our tax dollars to do so.
When will this barn dance come to an end? That’s difficult to say. But one thing for sure, it’s going to be one heck of a party, between now and the next provincial election. All we need is a few more in the liberal clique to fess up, realise the majority ingredient of their constituent element, and vote accordingly in the Legislature.
Gary T. Bastarache
Moncton NB
NB Power Board Stacked
December 1, 2009
According to a half-page article on page A8 of the December 1 issue of the Times & Transcript, Moncton West MLA Joan MacAlpine-Stiles says she is still in the process of studying the MOU and hasn’t yet read it all the way through. The MOU is dated October 29, 2009, and has been available with only four clicks of a mouse at the gnb.ca web site. How long is it going to take her to read a 14-page document?
I thought about writing a letter to MLA Joan MacAlpine-Stiles but I’m positive it would be an exercise in futility. If she hasn’t had time to read the MOU in 32 days, I’m quite sure she wouldn’t have time to read a letter from me. I hope she has time to read the Transcript though because this issue is vitally important to the future of New Brunswick
It doesn’t take any studying to understand that the MOU is a complete giveaway of our publicly owned electrical utility. It only takes about 10 minutes to read it through, including the time spent shaking your head in disbelief, disappointment and complete and utter disgust at the audacity and arrogance the Graham government has displayed by offering this deal to Hydro Quebec without first having some input from the taxpayers.
I stopped by MLA Mike Murphy’s office to join the crowd of protestors on Monday morning. I would like to thank MLA Murphy for taking the time to at least allow people to voice their concerns. The hot Tim’s offered by his Executive Assistant Colin Carruthers was also very much appreciated on this cold November morning.
So now it looks to me like the Premier is stacking the Board of Directors of NB Power in his favour by making 5 new appointments Monday, including Norm Betts. Good ole Norm, a former PC MLA, since he lost his seat in 2003 has been on the Board of Directors of Tembec Inc., a Quebec-based paper company. It’s easy to see what opinions Norm will bring to the table when it comes to industrial electricity rates and whether or not NB Power should be sold to Hydro Quebec. I’m confident that a bit more Googling will inevitably turn up similarly dubious ties to the other four recent appointees to the Board of NB Power.
Folks, I’ve come to the conclusion that this left-right political paradigm is nothing but a charade, a smoke screen. It doesn’t matter if you have a Conservative or Liberal Party background. It’s all designed to keep us thinking we can make a difference when in actual fact, the bureaucrats are running the whole show behind the scenes.
It’s now time for the taxpayers of New Brunswick to wake up to what’s happening, stand up, study the political issues, take a stand, and try to turn this goliath around. Otherwise, we’ll be left to our own demise. Just saying no and expecting them to “get it” will not cut the MOU mustard. We’re in desperate need for a Party for the people in this province. We can no longer be…in “dis-grace”.
Gary T. Bastarache
Moncton NB
AIMS Analysis of the MOU
A must read for anyone interested in the ongoing public debate over the Memorandum of Understanding on the sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec.
http://www.aims.ca/library/NBPowerMOU.pdf
Please for God sake don’t be like N.F.L. and sell us down the river it is our investment.Shawn go back to school and learn about investment.Gene O’Connor Saint John
I am not in favor of the proposal to sell NB Power to Quebec. Why were we not warned long before the this was going to take place. You can rest assured that Shawn Graham will not get my vote in the next election. I am afraid of what will happen should the sale go through. We New Brunswickers will pay for this down the road.
No to the sale, rent out the line, to then,
I am saying no no no. why you ask. For one It is NB power and we live in new brunswick. and would like it Keep here.
Two what happens when Quebec decided to try to leave again and they decide that they are not canadians and want to share our power. Contracts mean nothing.
In the end we will end up paying more in the long tun for the power. Either way. I would rather see it left here! That goes for the five people in my house all agree.
No to selling
NO NO NO NO
Quebec has shown us over the years, that they dont care about the rest of Canada, for sure not the maritime provinces. They want to be seperated and enjoy the benefits of the rest of Canada. I say NO to the sale of N.B. Power. We can be certain that there is some underlieing reason that They will Benefit , Not US. Premier Graham sure shows me that this decision is lacking in intelligence. Surely next time around we can find someone more dedicated to New Brunswickers, not Quebec.
HELP WANTED —-We don’t seem to be getting anywhere then lets look at how to —–recall shawn graham —-, it hasn’t been done yet in canada but we could be the first, desperate times call for desperate measures and time is running out . We have got to have plan b and plan c for this problem . We need to know how to start this process and find out what it could cost us and need to proceed.
I’ve been looking all over for this!
Thanks.
I Say NO NO NO to the sale they are not trustable.
I sent this email to Dave MacDonald of CBC Moncton
Hi Dave,I hope all is well
Dave when I first heard Shawn Graham was going to sell N.B. Power.I emailed you asking to find out if Shawn fell off his rocker .I wanted to know the pros and cons of the deal. Talking to people getting bits and pieces here and there I wasn’t sure, I am now.
I went to a town hall meeting this evening where Professor Yves Gagnon was the main speaker. He spoke in laymen’s terms and spelled out this TERRIBLE DEAL. He pointed out 84 pros for the Quebec side and only 14 for N.B.
The point that was the scariest was that the revenue N.Bers pay into the government with there electricity bills every year will cease as soon as Quebec takes over. $420 million /year will not be going to the government for ever and ever, it all goes to Quebec. We will have our provincial debt payed off ,but for how long. The government will have to raise taxes to generate revenue or start borrowing again . How many years before we owe 4 billion again. Then what will we sell then.
Shawn is in trouble with this deal and no doubt in the coming months he will try to have this deal sweetened to sway the people, probably by negotiating the rates a little lower. Even if Quebec lowers the rate to the same as they sell it for in there province (7/Kilowatt Hour ) this will be a BAD DEAL. We all know how fast time flies 5 years ,blink and its gone, ask yourself what Quebec will do then Shawn.
CBC TV should invite Professor Gagnon to present this presentation in its entirety to the people N.B and then invite Shawn defend this deal before its to late.
Shawn, now that I am more informed , if this deal goes through no matter how new your rocker is the legs will surely fall off and you will go down leaving the people of N.B. in a mess. Not a nice legacey ,don’t let your pride stand in the way, people will respect you for it in the end.
Royce Aube
I think it is time that Shawn Graham goes. He is going to ruin the province of N.B. if he stays and this deal goes thru. Too bad we can’t do like the states do with their presidents when they go too far. Impech him.John.
As you know a typical politician tells you what he wants you to hear, not what you should know. Most times when the ruling party changes hands, the party that takes their place always claims they will make sweeping changes to the system. After elected they frequently blame the former party for inaccurate figures and don’t honour their promises . This same idea could very easily be used by the perspective new owners of NB Power when they say no power increases for the next 5 years, not to mention after the 5 years are up. In the meantime there is nothing to guarantee them from making power increases if the new perspective owners claim that modifications , repairs or upgrades are needed or for whatever reasons they see fit at the time.. This is one of the factors why this deal has too many gray areas that that could be exploited . Besides this is a public utility owned by all NEW BRUNSWICKERS , and must be settled in an ELECTION and thus decided by the VOTERS of NB , not solely by Shawn Graham and his yes men/women entourage. IT IS NOT HIS TO SELL!!!!!
Joey Smallwood soldout N.F.L.D to Quebec years ago ,seems that same spirit has rizen again in Shawn Graham only, now Shawn is selling to a province that wants to tear Canada apart, soon we will be relying on a foreign country for our rates.
By the way Joey Smallwood did well for himself (he got rich),can’t say the same for N.F.L.D.