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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says the time has come for government to
release their much- touted and long-awaited energy plan to see exactly what
strategies will be used to help deal with issues such as the increasing
price of gas and oil, and the worrisome situation in Stephenville and Grand
Falls-Windsor as it relates to energy issues at the Abitibi paper mills.
"Premier Williams continues to discuss the energy plan that has been
developed by his government, yet he has not been willing to release any
details," said Mr. Reid. "As the number of energy issues facing the people
of this province continues to rise and become more prevalent, it is
imperative that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians see what this
government has planned to deal with the large number of energy issues facing
this province.
"This government has already refused to address the taxation issues on
the high price of gas and electricity; there is no rebate program in place
for home heating oil or electricity users for the coming winter; the price
of oil to power the Holyrood generating plant continues to drive up the
price of electricity; Abitibi Consolidated has announced they will close
their Stephenville Mill and a paper Machine in Grand Falls-Windsor unless
their power costs can be lowered. These are just a few of the immediate
issues facing the people of this province and we have heard nothing from the
Premier or his government to address these concerns.
"Consultations have taken place and consultants have been hired, yet this
government for some reason is refusing to release their plan to address
long-term issues facing the province’s energy sector. What is needed at this
time is leadership, something that is sorely missing. It is time for the
Premier to be up front and release his vision to address the energy issues
facing this province.
"It is predicted that the provincial government will make an extra $400
million in profits this year from increased offshore oil royalties. In
addition, the province is collecting more money through gasoline taxes. They
will benefit from the HST portion of increased electricity bills. They will
make hundreds of millions of dollars in extra revenues from the energy
sector, yet are not willing to release their energy plan that is supposed to
help the people of the province. If the Premier is content to sit back and
let these issues go unaddressed, he will be failing the people of
Newfoundland and Labrador, especially the workers at the Abitibi
Consolidated paper mills in Stephenville and Grand Falls-Windsor. The
Premier has stated continuously that he has the plan, it is now time for him
to share it with the rest of us."
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