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GREG WESTON
canadaeast news service

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FREDERICTON - Former Liberal Premier Frank McKenna got the ball rolling on a deal for NB Power when he was premier in the 1990s, but he also played a role in the negotiations that led to last week's agreement to sell assets of the utility to Hydro-Québec.

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Frank McKenna

Informal talks between New Brunswick and Quebec about a possible energy pact began in January. In a recent interview with the Times & Transcript, Premier Shawn Graham said he enlisted his predecessor's help as a special consultant 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," the premier 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 press release confirming the two provinces were formally exploring a partnership, "particularly in the areas of accessibility, supply, transmission, market opportunities and greenhouse-gas reduction."

McKenna didn't take part in the negotiations, 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, hinting at a future role for McKenna in the months to come.

"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."

Last Thursday, Graham and Quebec Premier Jean Charest announced a $4.75-billion memorandum of understanding that would see Hydro-Québec 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."