CBC News - New Brunswick - Hydro deal raises questions for Magdalen Islands

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Hydro deal raises questions for Magdalen

Islands
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 | 9:29 PM AT Comments5Recommend8
CBC News

An energy deal between Hydro-Qubec and New

Brunswick could see the Magdalen Islands connected to the mainland power grid. (Jacques
Boissinot/Canadian Press)
Magdalen Islands Mayor Jol Arsenault says Hydro-Qubec's business plans in Atlantic Canada may be
a mixed blessing for his community.
The utility has signed a tentative agreement to purchase NB Power and the province has also entered
into energy negotiations with Prince Edward Island.
Quebec Premier Jean Charest has said the negotiations could result in the Magdalene Islands being
hooked up to the continental power grid.
Currently, the islands get their electricity from an oil-powered generating station.
When the oil plant was built 15 years ago, it seemed like a good idea, Arsenault said. He said officials
determined laying underwater electrical cables from the mainland would be too expensive.
"Well, it turned out the oil prices went right up and the construction costs of the power plant were much
more than expected," Arsenault said. "To this day they're questioning whether it was the good choice
back then."
While an agreement with New Brunswick or P.E.I. would shorten the distance required to connect the
islands to the mainland grid, the plan could also threaten local jobs, Arsenault said.
"Hydro-Qubec hires over 75 workers to work at the plant and many contracts are given in the area to
businesses working with Hydro-Qubec to produce the energy," Arsenault said. "So, obviously a cable
would not generate as many jobs on the islands."
Hydro-Qubec hopes to complete its purchase of NB Power by March.

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CBC News - New Brunswick - Hydro deal raises questions for Magdalen Islands

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Story comments (5)

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trixie12 wrote:Posted 2009/11/19
at 10:23 AM ETWe understand your concerns, Mr. Joel Arseneault. You would lose jobs....75 jobs...we
are losing several hundreds with this deal. And we're supposed to be happy. Our politicians are
destroying our future and we are suppose to let them do it and SHUT UP.
One thing for sure, you won't see too many laid off employees from NB Power visiting your Island. Job
losses create poor people, and poor people don't travel.

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detailer wrote:Posted 2009/11/19
at 9:08 AM ETwin win for les seperatist/// lose lose for N.B.

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11Agree 2DisagreePolicy Report abuse

BrentEamer wrote:Posted 2009/11/19
at 8:51 AM ETWind would be a good choice with fossil fuel backup. Or solar/wind/fossil fuel

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Bay_Line wrote:Posted 2009/11/19
at 8:14 AM ETPlease ignore Happycats comments, he does not represent true NB's who have no ill
intent. We only wish to exercise our right to attempt to prevent a bad deal. His comments are irrelevent
to our cause. Quebec has a right to try and affect the future of their resources as we all should.

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Happycat wrote:Posted 2009/11/19
at 7:51 AM ETAs a New Brunswicker, I have only one comment on this story. Who the hell cares? The
Magdalen Islands are Quebec's problem not ours.

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