McKenna played valuable role in Quebec-Hydro deal - Graham
Published Thursday November 5th, 2009
Former premier Frank McKenna played a part in the negotiations to sell NB Power to Quebec-Hydro as a special consultant, says Premier Shawn Graham.
Informal talks between New Brunswick and Quebec about a possible energy pact began in January. In a recent interview with Canadaeast News Service, Graham said he enlisted his predecessor's help shortly thereafter.
"I also understood this was more than just putting together an historic deal - which it is to the country - it was also going to require great political risk," he said.
"He gave me some good guidance and counsel and he also gave me some names of some individuals who could lead the discussion process for us."
In June, Graham's office issued a news release confirming the provinces were formally exploring a partnership, "particularly in the areas of accessibility, supply, transmission, market opportunities, and greenhouse-gas reduction."
McKenna wasn't sitting at the bargaining table, but Graham said he provided advice as the process unfolded.
"I used him as a sounding board. I'd keep him informed. Once every two or three months, I'd call him up to tell him where we were at," the premier said.
"The last few weeks, as we got closer to a deal, I called to brief him where we're at, because I'm going to need his help at selling this deal - not only in New Brunswick, but across the country."
On Oct. 29, Graham and Quebec Premier Jean Charest announced a $4.75-billion memorandum of understanding that would see Hydro-Quebec purchase most of NB Power's transmission, distribution and generation assets.
During the signing ceremony, Graham acknowledged the role of two former New Brunswick premiers in getting the province to that stage.
"Former premier Frank McKenna first asked NB Power to move to a private-sector model and structure," he said.
"Later, former premier Bernard Lord continued this work by restructuring the corporation and exploring the sale of some parts of the utility. Their work has led us to this day."
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Corruption is usually a subtle thing, in this case it's as stark as the nose on your face.
Shawn Graham is merely a string puppet who is controlled by Frank McKenna and his father. They in turn are controlled by the Irving’s and big business.
Frankie went from defending Yvon Durelle in a murder case, to hob-knobbing it up with Bill Clinton (another shyster politician) and landing on the board of TD Canada Trust. Frank didn't get all that success by saying NO, he did it by saying YES to every underhanded offer that came his way. Whether it was Wackenhut, Blue Cross, MRIDC or the Irving’s, he always did their bidding with a smile on his face and his pockets open wide. CONT....
Cont.... Shawn Graham on the other hand is just a dupe. A stooge who managed to graduate with degree in physical education. He could teach your kids gym, but the man wouldn’t know a balance sheet if it hit him in the face. His father finagled and guided him into the role of opposition leader (with large amounts of financial help from his influential buddies) and he managed to get him barely elected (losing the popular vote, but winning just enough seats) and then his boy got to be Premiere of New Brunswick. Only problem was, Shawn Graham didn’t have a clue. So he needed and has received guidance from none other than Frank McKenna and his daddy pretty much from day one.
The sad part is that Shawn Graham oblivious as he is, sleeps like a baby every night. How Frank McKenna and his father can boggles my mind. They’re intelligent men, they must know they’ve been doing wrong for so long, and yet they sleep fine even with all that cash stuffed under their mattresses.