Tourism minister quits over NB Power deal

New Brunswick's tourism and parks minister has been pushed out of Premier Shawn Graham's cabinet in a dispute over the controversial sale of parts of NB Power.

Stuart Jamieson said in a statement Friday night that he was asked by the Liberal premier to tender his resignation after saying the deal with Hydro-Québec should be put to a public referendum.

The proposed $3.2-billion deal would see Hydro-Québec acquire 10 power plants in New Brunswick, including the Point Lepreau nuclear generating station.

The deal was watered down from the original $4.75-billion deal announced last fall after a public outcry and open dissent within the Liberal caucus.

Jamieson, 60, was first elected to the New Brunswick legislature as the member for Saint John Fundy in 1987.

In the statement, Jamieson said he doesn't regret speaking out and will remain as a member of the legislature until the next provincial election in September.