Energy PR firms hired to explain NB Power agreement to New Brunswickers

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Benjamin Shingler and Reid Southwick
Telegraph-Journal

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SAINT JOHN - The Liberal government is beginning the big sell on a proposed deal it acknowledges will be difficult for the public to accept.

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cindy wilson/telegraph-journal

Energy Minister Jack Keir speaks to reporters Monday about the province’s plans to ‘get the facts out’ about the agreement to sell the majority of NB Power’s assets to Hydro-Québec.

Battered by a wave of opposition to the agreement to transfer most of the assets of NB Power to Hydro-Québec, Energy Minister Jack Keir issued a public plea Monday, asking New Brunswickers to study the facts of "the most important issue to face the province in a very long time."

"We just want to make sure that we get the facts out," Keir told reporters in Saint John.

"I'm listening to the talk shows and I'm reading the blogs as well, and there's a lot of misinformation out there. I understand there's going to be a few weeks of emotion here and we've got to get through that. I absolutely understand that, but I also want folks to be dealing with the facts."

The Graham government has hired three public relations firms to promote the proposed $4.8-billion deal, which was unveiled with the signing of memorandum of understanding in Fredericton last week.

Public relations giant Hill & Knowlton is heading the information blitz that will also draw assistance from two Moncton-based firms, Bristol Group Inc. and Colour.

The Conservative Opposition estimates the Grits' advertising campaign will cost at least $1 million.

"They're going to use New Brunswickers own tax money with a lot of spin on newspapers and radios, and not provide the facts," Opposition leader David Alward said. "And that is completely unacceptable."

Don Desserud, a University of New Brunswick political scientist, says the Liberals have a difficult task ahead.

"They are dealing with a public that is pretty cynical about advertising campaigns," he said. "If they're not effective, what the public's response is going to be is: What is your track record on making prudent decisions?"

Speaking to reporters outside of his Saint John office on Monday afternoon, Keir said the level of opposition he has faced since the agreement was announced has worn on him emotionally.

Keir said he was not "selling" the deal or "fighting" a public relations battle, but rather outlining what he sees as the benefits of selling most of New Brunswick's public utility to an outside company.

"I haven't lost one second of sleep on the business deal itself. I believe in my heart this is a great decision, a great business case for New Brunswick moving forward," Keir said.

"I've lost lots of sleep on the political side."

Keir said Alward has a responsibility to the public to quit playing politics and take part in a more reasoned, thoughtful debate.

"I find it rather surprising that David Alward is out lambasting this agreement without even knowing what's in there, and fear mongering and politicking on probably the most important issue to face New Brunswickers in a very long time," he said.

"There's a lot of misinformation out there, a lot of myths out there that, frankly, David Alward has helped create."

The Liberals have already set up an information line (1-800-533-3086) and a website (www.lowerratesnb.ca) in an effort to convince New Brunswickers of the benefits of any deal.

The Grits are also planning a legislative committee for review and feedback from the public.

The committee will be asked to report before legislation is tabled implementing a deal, so that the views of New Brunswickers can be incorporated. It will be directed to begin its work as soon as possible after the legislature sitting begins on Nov. 17.

Alward said that committee won't be enough. He continues to call for an election, a referendum or at least a more extensive public consultation process.

"If the premier feels really strongly about this, then allow a true consultation process to take place," he said.

David Coon, executive director of the Conservation Council, agrees.

"The legislative committee the premier is setting up should travel the province and hold hearings, and talk to people," he said.