MandaTORY Muskrat Material

What a difference it makes if you are a PC Opposition in Manitoba or a PC Government in Newfoundland and Labrador.

On the heels of the Quebec review of hydro project potentials - Manitoba Conservatives are asking the government there to put the brakes on hydro projects in that province.

But oh no - wait - that's Manitoba Hydro - didn't they do a review for us?

A quote from a story in the Winnipeg Sun

Progressive Conservative leader Brian Pallister said a recommendation made to Hydro-Quebec last week highlights a bleak economic outlook for such investments. A Quebec commission called on government to postpone or cancel a $6.5-billion, four-dam Romaine River hydroelectric project. The commission claimed a boom in cheap natural gas means the energy created by the project would sell for less than it costs to produce.

“This Quebec report should be a clear cause for reconsideration,” Pallister said.

Pallister labeled Manitoba Hydro’s expansion plans “a mega gamble” that would triple the Crown corporation’s debt. (emphasis added)

And yes it gets worse - the Manitoba government in its response to Opposition concerns said:

Stan Struthers, the minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, was not available for comment Tuesday.

In a statement on his behalf, a spokesman said Manitoba continues to profit off export sales and secured more than $9 billion in such contracts since 2010.

“This means that from the first day (of the proposed $6.2-billion) Keeyask (generating station) goes into operation, U.S. customers will be paying down the debt on an asset that will generate clean electricity for a century — keeping rates low for Manitoba families and businesses,” (emphasis added) the statement said.

So the Manitoba Conservatives see the issue and the only comeback from the government is - who cares - because Americans will pay the bill and our customers will get cheap power.

So let's see now, we have weak markets, we are paying the bill, and out power rates will soar.

The Muskrat Falls development must be stopped. We cannot keep exposing our children and grandchildren to this disastrous legacy.

Take the time and read the story HERE - become engaged in this most important issue and let the leaders know how you fell.

But one last thing - the story says this: (please read carefully) Manitoba’s Public Utilities Board has hired eight independent firms to review the value of Hydro’s plans and ensure they’re economically viable.

Our project is the most studied in the world - right? Oh and yes - it's not Manitoba Hydro calling the shots it's their Public Utilities Board.