WikiLeaks' revelations on PEI utility
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND - The Prince Edward Island utility Maritime Electric was part of the plans in Hydro-Quebec's purchase of NB Power, a document released last month by the whistle-blower website WikiLeaks reveal.
In October 2009, the New Brunswick government announced it was selling its electrical utility to Quebec. But the $4.8-billion deal was politically unpopular. The former Liberal government scaled down the proposal before it was eventually canceled in March 2010.
There were rumours at the time Hydro-Quebec intended to buy Maritime Electric as well. PEI Premier Robert Ghiz denied it and Maritime Electric said it knew nothing about a sale.
But a document released by WikiLeaks shows discussions were serious.
Most of the note, written by the American Embassy in Ottawa, refers to the proposed mega deal between Hydro-Quebec and NB Power. It outlines a discussion between Quebec Premier Jean Charest and U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson.
"Charest also told the Ambassador that Hydro-Quebec is planning to acquire the privately-owned Prince Edward Island power company," the document reads.
"The generating assets involved are quite small, but Charest said Hydro-Quebec would be also acquiring important wind assets and environmental credits."
When asked about the document, Ghiz told CBC News a deal was not imminent.
"It might have been discussed in passing, but our focus at the time was to purchase electricity from Hydro-Quebec. Now, if they had ended up purchasing New Brunswick Power, well that would have opened up the door for them to look at Maritime Electric," Ghiz said.
When the Hydro-Quebec deal with NB Power fell through it ended any potential discussions between Quebec and PEI.
Shawn Graham's Liberals were defeated handily in the September 2010 New Brunswick election.
Related News
Electricity blackouts spark protests in Iranian cities
TEHRAN - There have been protests in a number of cities in Iran amid rising public anger over widespread electricity blackouts.
Videos on social media appeared to show crowds in Shar-e Rey near Tehran, Shiraz, Amol and elsewhere overnight.
Some people can be heard shouting "Death to the dictator" and "Death to Khamenei" - a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The government has apologised for the blackouts, which it has blamed on a severe drought and high demand.
President Hassan Rouhani explained in televised remarks on Tuesday morning that the drought meant most of the country's hydroelectric power plants were not operating,…
