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Kelvin Parsons, Opposition Energy Critic and MHA for the District of
Burgeo-Lapoile, is disappointed that Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro)
has made a rate application to the Public Utilities Board for a 5 per cent
rate increase. "When in Opposition, this government criticized the 2003
rate increase brought forward by Hydro," said Mr. Parsons. "They railed
against any rate increase and argued that the poorest people in society
would be most impacted. Three short years later, they are willing to sit
back and allow this rate increase to come forward without a whimper. This
shows the hypocrisy of this government."
In a May 23, 2003, press release, then Mines and Energy Critic Paul
Shelley stated that "as always, it is the poorest people in our society who
will suffer the greatest pain, because they don’t have the income to absorb
these costs." Mr. Shelley also referenced the exclusion of electricity users
from the home heating subsidy as another hit to low and middle income
people.
"It is very strange how the attitudes change when Opposition members
cross the floor to become the government. Minister Shelley argued against
this rate increase because of the impact it would have on the people of the
province. Now that he is responsible for ensuring the needs of our lower
income population are considered, he is silent and allowing this rate
increase application to move forward without a peep."
Parsons also referenced the fact that government left $54 million in
dividends with Hydro this year. While in Opposition, the current government
believed the dividends from Hydro should be used to prevent rate increases.
"Using the logic of their own words in Opposition, the dividends made by
Hydro last year should prevent the need for a rate increase. Therefore, I
suggest the Minister of Natural Resources direct Hydro to use these
dividends and prevent this increase from taking place. Hydro’s profits
should be used to help all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and I suggest
they begin looking at this initiative instead of raking in more profits on
the backs of the people of the province."
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