News Release - January 21, 2009

VICTORIA - Newly-appointed energy minister Blair Lekstrom should stand by his principles and put a stop to Gordon Campbell's plans to ram through private power projects over local communities' objections, New Democrat energy critic John Horgan said today.

In 2006 Lekstrom joined with the NDP to vote against Section 56 of Bill 30, controversial legislation brought in by Gordon Campbell that stripped local governments of control over power developments.

"Two years ago, Blair Lekstrom was willing to stand up for the right of local communities to have a say over what goes on in their own backyards.  The question now is, does he still have the jam to stand up to Gordon Campbell?" said Horgan.

In response to growing public concern, Carole James and the NDP are calling for a moratorium on the construction of new private run-of-the-river power projects until a comprehensive review of the social, economic and environmental impacts is completed.

"Many communities have serious concerns about the proliferation of large private power projects in their watersheds, but they've been stripped of their right to stand up for themselves.  Blair Lekstrom certainly understood that a couple of years ago, which is why I'm calling on him to put a stop to any new private power projects until local communities' rights are restored," said Horgan.

Horgan noted that there is no looming electricity shortage in BC, and over the last eight years we have exported more electricity than we have imported.

"Gordon Campbell's privatization agenda is driving up electricity costs for BC families and businesses.  British Columbians deserve a government that will put their interests above those of their corporate friends," said Horgan.

Horgan noted that it could be challenging for Lekstrom to stand up for the public interest, since the BC Liberal party has close ties to the private power industry, which gave them over $477,000 in the years 2005 and 2006 alone.