| NDP Want To Pull Plug On Northern Transmission Line
September 16, 2009 NDP WANT TO PULL PLUG ON NORTHERN TRANSMISSION LINE VICTORIA - Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson refused to support the new Northwest Transmission Line today, despite several opportunities to do so in the Legislature. "It's shocking to me that on a day the federal government has come to the table with $130 million to join the provincial government in building the line, the local MLA can't get past partisan politics," says Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. "This project will be a major boon for the entire Northwest and is a project that we are committed to building for the region. It's time the NDP dropped the rhetoric and came out in support of the power line." During Question Period today, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond challenged Doug Donaldson to offer his support. "Well, perhaps it's time for the member for Stikine to actually stand in this Legislature today and recognize the absolutely significant announcement of partnership that was made that is the number one priority for his constituents," said Bond. Donaldson refused to do so, which is not surprising as the NDP have never supported the transmission line and the jobs that will come with it. Today, NDP energy critic John Horgan again dismissed the plan for the power line. Earlier in the day, Donaldson reaffirmed his opposition to another major project - a new pipeline that will create new jobs and economic opportunities for small businesses throughout the northwest. "The decision by the federal government to join the province in building the transmission line should be celebrated by all those who live in northwestern British Columbia," says Rustad. "The NDP can sit on the sideline and consistently oppose projects that will help rural British Columbia, but we're going to work to create jobs and generate new economic activity. We know our part of the province is going to come out of these difficult economic times stronger and the transmission line will be a major contributor." -30- |
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