WikiLeaks docs touch on Atlantic Canada

Thelatest batch of WikiLeaksdocuments reveals what U.S. diplomats were thinking about some major issues in Atlantic Canada.

The international organization posted more diplomatic cables on its website Thursday, some written by consular officials in Halifax.

They offer an American perspective on some New Brunswick political and business players.

Former Premier Bernard Lord announced the Point Lepreau refurbishment in 2005.

The same year, diplomats at the U.S. consulate in Halifax urged officials in Washington to meet with Lord during his trip to Washington,saying he was a potential national leader, "likely to be a force in Canadian politics for years to come."

But in another report to Washington, they warned that Point Lepreau and other energy mega-projects in Atlantic Canada were likely to lead to "great frustration, discord and disappointment..." because "...optimism has consistently run ahead of reality" with energy projects in the region.

The U.S. consular officials also took a liking to Lord's successor, Shawn Graham, and his energy minister Jack Keir,calling them "the dynamic duo."

A2010 report on a diplomat's meeting with an official from Emera the Nova Scotia energy company is also mentioned.

The document quotes Emera'sgeneral counsel James Spurr,who saidthe company bought a natural gas plant from Irving Oil at a much lower price than expected.

That led him to speculate that "Irving's fiscal situation might be deteriorating."

Late Friday afternoon Irving Oil responded to the speculation about its finances.

A spokeperson said the company was surprised by the Emera Official's comments.

Irving Oil called the comments "inappropriate, unwarranted and unfounded."

The spokesperson said Emera's CEO Christopher Huskilson has already apologized to Irving.