A12

Robert Goguen

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Over the past few weeks and since last weekend's annual Liberal convention, it's becoming more and more apparent that even die-hard Liberals are taking the 'turtle approach' when it comes to the proposed NB Power sell-out.

Last weekend we saw many party members firmly stating that they were in complete disagreement with the proposed NB Power sale and they weren't shy to voice these opinions publicly. They questioned their leader, the current premier, on aspects of the MOU that highlighted how bad a deal this is for New Brunswickers. One would think party members would receive more open and honest responses from their party leader, but even in a room of party faithful, the premier remained on script, glossing over the obvious pitfalls of the deal.

On Tuesday afternoon, while our new Lt.-Governor, Graydon Nicholas, read the Speech from the Throne, anyone present or watching the proceedings on TV could hear the chants of protesters: "We want power - what kind of power - NB Power." These protesters began gathering before noon and despite the cold continued their march well into the late afternoon. Several busses had been chartered and brought hundreds of New Brunswickers from Woodstock, Sussex and Madawaska.

A handful of speakers addressed the crowd, including our Leader David Alward and PC MLAs Kirk MacDonald, Bruce Fitch, Paul Robichaud and Jeannot Volpé. Those in attendance were of a single mind - this is not a good deal for New Brunswickers and the government needs to call an election and ask for the people's support before going forward with it. Our leader restated these points and promised the people of New Brunswick that his caucus would do everything within its power to stop this sale from becoming a reality.

Those gathered had questions on their minds but most Liberal MLAs entering the front doors of the legislature refused to stop and speak with the people gathered. This did not go unnoticed.

Many are saying that this deal was crafted in secret, behind closed doors and with hushed tones and that even Liberal caucus members were treated to a surprise in late October when the Premier and Premier Charest made their big announcement. And just three weeks since it was announced that the premier intends to sell NB Power to Hydro-Québec, we're are already seeing cracks in the party ranks.

Just this week, Social Development Minister Kelly Lamrock, always the rogue, responded to reporters by saying that he had to consider the will of his constituents: "I'm going to hold a few public meetings in my riding and I'm going to vote my conscience." After apparently being taken out behind the woodshed, he quickly issued a statement saying he had been misquoted.

Despite the Premier's office cracking the whip, I expect in the months to come, more and more government MLAs will take a similar stance and be required to consider how they can balance the demands of their constituents with the will of their party. Yes, this is a provincial issue and therefore requires a provincially minded approach to decision making, but the opposition to the deal is indeed province-wide.

Remember back in 2008 when federal Liberal leader Stéphane Dion was hoisted from the party's leadership after failing to win a majority government? The voter turnout for that election was the worst since Confederation and the reason was simple. Dion was a weak leader running on a platform that couldn't even muster the support of his own party members. So, as a result, dedicated Liberals stayed home.

It's pretty bad when die-hard Liberals can't even bring themselves to hold their noses and go vote for their party. I predict the Liberal party in New Brunswick is about to see a very similar happening in the next election.

Shawn Graham may continue to shout that this is a good deal for New Brunswickers and a few of his supporters may call him courageous, but most would agree that in reality, that couldn't be farther from the truth. True courage would see him admit this was a horrible mistake and that he will immediately call Jean Charest and tell him the deal is off.

Robert Goguen is a partner at a law firm in Moncton and President of the Progressive Conservative party of New Brunswick.