The Bipole III Coalition and Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released a letter to Premier Selinger today urging a truly independent and non-partisan review before Manitoba Hydro’s $34 billion plan proceeds.

The letter includes statements from former Premiers Gary Filmon (PC) and Ed Schreyer (NDP); both of whom are concerned with the risk involved with the plan. Former hydro executives Len Bateman (former CEO) and Will Tishinski (former VP) are also noted as supporters of the idea of conducting a truly independent and non-partisan review.

“Manitoba’s entire provincial debt is $30 billion and yet Hydro’s proposal calls for spending another $34 billion,” said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. “That is by far the most costly and risky proposal in our province’s history. If the plan flops experts have suggested hydro rates could triple.”

“When I talk to former engineers and retired Manitoba Hydro executives, it’s clear there’s a lot of concern for what could happen to peoples’ hydro bills,” said Dr. Garland Laliberte, a retired Dean of Engineering at the University of Manitoba and Vice-President of the Coalition. “This is not the type of decision to rush. There needs to be a truly independent and non-partisan review, not what the government is proposing.”

The group noted many other prominent Manitobans and organizations that have expressed concerns with Manitoba Hydro’s plan:

• Leonard Evans, former NDP Cabinet Minister
• Eric Stefanson, former PC Cabinet Minister and Deputy Premier
• Graham Lane, former Chair, Manitoba Public Utilities Board
• Tom Adams, Energy Consultant and former Executive Director, Energy Probe
• Jim Collinson, Energy Consultant and former Chair, UNESCO Committee on World Heritage Sites
• Doug Chorney, President, Keystone Agricultural Producers

“Our group has spoken to people across the province who are growing increasingly concerned about Manitoba Hydro’s risky plan,” said Karen Friesen, President of the Bipole III Coalition. “This isn’t the type of decision to rush.”

The groups launched a web site to educate Manitobans about the risky plan – www.RiskyHydroPlan.ca - as well as a YouTube clip.

To view the letter to Premier Selinger – click here.

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