FREDERICTON - A public war of words between two Atlantic premiers continues, with New Brunswick's Shawn Graham saying Danny Williams of Newfoundland is wrong about a new power deal between New Brunswick and Hydro-Quebec.
For days, Williams has warned that the sale of the assets of NB Power to Hydro-Quebec would give the Quebec utility a monopoly that could hinder power development elsewhere in Atlantic Canada, and he vows to oppose the plan.
Today, Graham says it's unfair that the Newfoundland premier started blasting the deal even before he saw any of the details.
Graham says he called Williams to explain that under the proposed $5-billion deal -- announced Thursday -- New Brunswick would not be giving up its sovereignty and could continue to set energy policy.
He says it's uncharacteristic of a premier in a neighbouring jurisdiction to raise the level of animosity at a time when they should be working together.
Graham says Atlantic Canadians applauded when Newfoundland and Labrador reached deals for its offshore resources, and they should question why Williams is now trying to stand in the way of success in New Brunswick.
