Bronconnier asks premier to suspend Bill 46

Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier has joined the growing list of opponents to Bill 46, legislation to restructure energy and utility hearings in Alberta.

In a letterto Premier Ed Stelmach, Bronconnier asks him to "suspend Bill 46 pending full public consultation."

The mayor is pointing at the same sections of the bill that have upset many rural landowners who have been packing town hall meetings and have even set up a Kill Bill 46 website.

Bill 46, which is now being debated in the legislature, would deny funding to consumer and environmental groups that often take part in these hearings.

Bronconnier writes that "consequently, utility issues important to some Albertans may not be addressed" at future hearings.

Joe Anglin of the Lavesta Area Group, made up of landowners, said he's not surprised Bronconnier would oppose a bill that is a "sham and embarrassment" to the legislative process.

But Energy Minister Mel Knight rejected the mayor's concerns and said Calgary has a "vested interest" in this issue because the city owns Enmax, a power utility.