PeopleÂ’s Alliance opposes second plant

People's Alliance of New Brunswick challenges NB Power and Areva plans at Point Lepreau, opposing a new nuclear reactor and urging public consultation, energy policy reform, and community engagement ahead of the provincial election.

New Brunswick's newest political party is expanding its platform to oppose a potential second nuclear power station in the province.

The People's Alliance was formed earlier this year by voters frustrated at the attempts by Liberal Premier Shawn Graham's government to sell NB Power. That effort fell through as the NB Power deal faced extensive public opposition.

The Alliance is now targeting the agreement with French company Areva to explore the possibility of building a new reactor at NB Power's Point Lepreau nuclear plant.

Art MacKay, president of the Alliance, said he is opposed to that idea. He said his party wants more community involvement in New Brunswick's energy policy, including debates like the rate freeze proposal at NB Power, to ensure accountability.

"My head's really on energy and natural resources and I will have a lot to say about it. The Areva thing popped up out of the blue," he said.

"Point Lepreau probably should have gone to the public for consultation, as it would have in the state of Maine for similar projects, if you're going to refurbish it. Because of its location, it becomes more and more dangerous as you add to it each year."

MacKay and other members of the People's Alliance met at a policy convention on the weekend to discuss other issues such as bilingualism and education, along with energy assets like the Dalhousie Generating Station that concern many residents.

The Alliance became New Brunswick's fifth registered party on June 9. It is planning to field candidates in roughly half of the province's 55 ridings in the September 27 election.

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