Liberals Introduce Yukon Energy Corporation Protection Act

03-Nov-2009

Whitehorse – The Official Opposition today tabled legislation that would require the Government of Yukon to first receive approval from the Yukon public in a referendum before privatizing any assets owned by the Yukon Energy Corporation (YEC).

“This bill responds to the public outrage we’ve heard about the Yukon Party’s secret plan to privatize the assets of the publicly-owned utility company,” said Liberal Energy Critic Gary McRobb.

Its primary purpose is to assure that the Government of Yukon shall not conduct, permit or approve the sale, lease or other disposal of YEC’s electricity generating and transmission assets without a mandate from Yukon citizens.

“Even though the Premier and other cabinet ministers have denied privatization negotiations ever occurred or are continuing, the evidence proves otherwise. Yukoners can rest assured knowing a Liberal government would never privatize YEC and this legislation, if passed, will back up that commitment,” added McRobb.

The Kluane MLA said the bill was strengthened as a result of the one-month consultation process. It will now prevent all future negotiations by the political level of government, such as the Premier’s secret privatization talks with Alberta-based ATCO, without approval from the voters only from a public referendum.

“Our caucus thanks all Yukon citizens who participated in the public consultation process,” he said. “Their input was helpful and served to strengthen this bill. Hopefully, all members of the Assembly will recognize the merits of this bill when it comes forward for debate as early as tomorrow afternoon.”

This bill also respects Government of Yukon commitments to First Nations and allows for the rationalization of assets for the benefit of Yukon ratepayers. Any negotiated rationalization arrangement would be required to pass through a public process involving the Yukon Utilities Board.

For additional information contact: Jason Cunning – 667-8942