Graham apologizes for anti-Quebec remark

N.B. Premier Shawn Graham has apologized for saying that anti-Quebec sentiment in rural New Brunswick is behind the opposition to the deal to sell most of NB Power's energy assets to Quebec.

Graham apologized in question period on Tuesday for the comments he made to reporters on Monday.

"I am a rural New Brunswicker, Mr. Speaker, and I represent a rural riding and it is a riding that is diverse. Now some have implied that I suggested that all New Brunswickers or all New Brunswickers of a certain group hold the same view on a particular issue," Graham told the legislature.

"Well that characterization is wrong. It was a mistake for me to be unclear and for me to make a statement that could be read as characterizing all rural New Brunswickers in the same light. And if I could change my words, I would. But all I can do is sincerely apologize for any offence taken and today, I do."

Graham said he also spoke to Quebec Premier Jean Charest on Tuesday about the remarks.

The New Brunswick premier softened his previous comments about anti-Quebec sentiment, saying there is still a small minority of people in Canada who have negative feelings about Quebec but that the proposed NB Power deal will strengthen national unity.

On Monday, Graham told reporters that some of his Liberal MLAs have encountered anti-Quebec feelings, but he wouldn't say which ridings he was talking about.

"We have to be frank and realistic while having this discussion. We have some MLAs that live in rural parts in New Brunswick where there is a higher sentiment of anti-Quebec attitudes that exist," Graham told reporters.

"We have to look beyond those passions. What we have to look at today is how can we lower power rates for all New Brunswickers, have a cleaner, greener environment and at the same time lessen the debt in the province of New Brunswick. And if we can overcome those kinds of stereotypes and issues in the past, we can achieve a better result."

Graham has referred to anti-Quebec sentiment before but hasn't linked it to specific areas of the province.

Under the proposed agreement, Quebec would buy most of NB Power's assets for $4.8 billion. The deal would freeze residential electricity rates for five years and lower large industrial power rates to Quebec levels.

The New Brunswick and Quebec governments are finalizing the agreement and Graham has acknowledged that reforms are coming. In particular, Graham said New Brunswick will still have a say in the province's energy future.

Minister disagrees

But Environment Minister Rick Miles, who represents a Fredericton riding, distanced himself from Graham's remarks about anti-Quebec sentiment spurring opposition to the power deal.

"I wouldn't say it is based on anti-Quebec sentiment," Miles told CBC News on Tuesday.

"I have heard a lot of things from the people in my riding and the people of New Brunswick. It is not totally based on anti-Quebec sentiment.

"There is a lot of emotion out there because NB Power is part of our community, part of our heritage. I think people are very upset by some of the things contained in the MOU [memorandum of understanding], but I can tell you we are working to find a solution for all New Brunswickers."

Miles said the deal to sell NB Power is a good one but the New Brunswick government is also listening to the concerns that people are voicing and will address them.