OTTAWA – The decision by Stephen Harper to grant a $6.3-billion loan guarantee to the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project must be reconsidered.
“Taking on another mega energy-generating project is a political decision that should be carefully made, with all economic and environmental data in mind. In the case of the Muskrat Falls project, Stephen Harper’s rationale is unknown,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands.
“According to the C.D. Howe Institute, small-scale hydro, wind and other renewables should more than suffice to replace the NL Holyrood power station. A move to seasonal and peak prices that rise and fall with demand conditions would make better use of resources we already have and allow Newfoundland & Labrador to meet all their energy needs,” said May.
“How was the decision made? Where is the cost-benefit analysis for Canadians? Could Newfoundlanders and Labradorians get more for $7-billion?” asked May.
“We don’t know if there is coordination with Nova Scotia to use this new energy to phase out coal. The imbalance in competition with Quebec created by the federal subsidy has not been discussed with the concerned provinces. The Greens are advocating for a National Energy Strategy and these examples show we urgently need a real conversation,” concluded May.
-30-
Media Contact:
Stéphane Vigneault
Communications Coordinator, Green Party of Canada
cell: 613.614.4916