Opposition asks if NB Power for sale

New Brunswick Opposition Leader David Alward iscalling onPremier Shawn Graham to clear the air about the future of NB Power and say whether it is for sale.

Alward said he's been hearing speculation that Hydro-Qubec, the provincial energy utility, wants to buy NB Power, a provincial Crown corporation.

"It's important at this time that the premier be transparent, be open to New Brunswickers," he said.

"If these are just rumours, if this isn't true, then he has the opportunity to tell New Brunswickers. He has the responsibility. If they are true, he has a responsibility to tell New Brunswickers what's going on."

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williamstold CBC Newshe has also heard rumours about a possible deal between NB Power and Hydro-Qubec.

Ina statement Thursday, his communications director, Elizabeth Matthews, said Williams "can't imagine the people of New Brunswick would allow their government to sell their energy asset and put that power into someone else's hands."

Graham began discussions with Quebec Premier Jean Charest last summer about energy issues, including possible relationships between Hydro-Qubec and NB Power.

Those talksspawnedrumours that NB Power wouldbe sold to Hydro-Qubec.

Late Thursday, Graham's office issued a statement that neither confirms nor denies those rumours.

"We're having a variety of conversations with Quebec, but they have not concluded," said Graham'scommunications director, Jordan O'Brien. "It's not in anybody's interest to talk about a possible outcome."

NB Power has been owned by the province since 1920. In the last provincial election, Graham promised to keep it as a publicly owned utility.