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Britt Dysart

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The recent gathering of Liberals at our biennial policy convention in Fredericton made me proud to be a Liberal and honoured to be given the opportunity to serve as president of the N.B. Liberal Association for another term.

The gathering underlined for me the clear differences between my party and the opposition Conservatives.

Liberals relish openly debating hot topics such as the proposed deal to sell NB Power in return for $10 billion worth of lower rates and debt reduction, which will lead to more jobs for young New Brunswickers.

There was plenty of discussion about policies on health, education, and the economy at the biennial but the focus of media attention was the accountability session on the proposed NB Power deal. It saw Premier Graham and his caucus field questions on the memorandum of understanding to transfer many of the assets of NB power to Hydro-Québec in exchange for stable, lower power rates forevermore, and elimination of 40 per cent of the province's debt.

Similar discussions took place between delegates and MLAs throughout the weekend. Liberals came away with a better understanding of the deal and feeling more certain that this is the right thing to do for New Brunswick's future. A few remain skeptical, and those views were aired in the open as well. As a party we believe it is a fundamental right for members to not only have an opinion but to express it freely.

The accountability session went extremely well, with delegates asking thoughtful questions on issues such as energy sovereignty, renewable energy, and the work done to secure the best deal possible. Premier Graham and his ministers fielded all questions, carefully explaining the reasoning behind the proposed deal and taking the time necessary to do so.

This is something that would never have happened under the Tories, who have made an art out of avoiding the tough questions.

Perhaps a little history is in order. In 2004, the Tories found themselves in the midst of a major controversy over their decision to close hospitals and hospital beds throughout the province (including the hospital in David Alward's home town of Woodstock.)

That year the party had planned an annual general meeting in Edmundston. The Monday before the event, the meeting was abruptly cancelled for reasons that today still seem unclear.

Various reasons were given in media reports. The party president said it was because several cabinet ministers would be unable to attend, although you would think such an event would take precedent over others. Then Finance Minister Jeannot Volpé suggested threats against the premier and health minister factored into the decision.

Some disgruntled Tories from the Woodstock area, mad they were losing their hospital, suggested the meeting was called off because they planned to challenge Bernard Lord's leadership. For whatever reason, the Tories turtled, refusing to face their own membership when the heat was on.

It's amusing today to hear Alward talk about his hard work connecting with grassroots New Brunswickers when in the past he and his caucus mates showed a reticence to explain their own difficult decision. The Tories seemed so freaked out by the reaction to the hospital decision, they put everything on the shelf even though reforms were needed in areas such as education, colleges and universities, and yes, the perpetual problem of how to effectively deal with the issue of NB Power and rates escalating much higher than inflation.

Premier Graham decided that significant changes were needed to move the province forward. It's been a bumpy ride at times but it is working. Job creation numbers, school test results and improved health care services bear that out. The Premier's recent leadership on the poverty initiative speaks volumes on the government's commitment to bettering the lives of all New Brunswickers.

It hasn't always been easy but the premier and his caucus take the time to explain what they are doing and why to New Brunswickers. For the Tories, grassroots consultation means finding something that upsets people and focusing on that and nothing else.

I think it's telling that the Liberals asked much more intelligent questions at the party's biennial on NB Power than the Opposition has in the opening days of the legislature. Alward has thrown around more red herrings than a fishmonger, failing to back up his outlandish claims with any real evidence or offering any alternative proposal of his own.

That's unfortunate. This is an important step for New Brunswick. People want the facts and an elevated debate. If this week is any indication, they're not going to get that from David Alward.

Britt Dysart is a lawyer who practises in Fredericton and president of the New Brunswick Liberal Association.