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Infrastructure for who?

The conservative government seems determined to push Bill 50 through the legislature. In case you’re not familiar with bill 50, this piece of legislation ensures that the public pays for new power lines in Alberta (worth as much as 20 billion). The two companies that will most benefit from this are, Trans Canada Corp. and Alta Link.

Dear Editor,

The conservative government seems determined to push Bill 50 through the legislature. In case you’re not familiar with bill 50, this piece of legislation ensures that the public pays for new power lines in Alberta (worth as much as 20 billion). The two companies that will most benefit from this are, Trans Canada Corp. and Alta Link.

Trans Canada is a part owner of Bruce Power which operates (with profits guaranteed by the taxpayer) a nuclear power plant in Ontario which was paid for by public money, including yours if you pay federal taxes. Alta Link is owned (76.9%) by SNC Lavalin, a Quebec engineering company that has had lucrative contracts with the nuclear industry for many years. Anywhere a Candu has been built, chances are that SNC Lavalin was there, making a nice taxpayer-funded profit. (Thank you again). The company also has contracts with the defense department. (Sweet).

One can understand why these companies are eager to see bill 50 pass. Gouging the taxpayer has been their bread and butter. But, why would our leaders sell us out in this manner? We can only speculate that they’re looking to the future. Not our future of course, but their own, as highly paid members of the board of directors for these companies. The board of Alta Link is already stuffed with conservative party insiders, including former finance minister Pat Nelson. See how it works? You do something for us, we do something for you. Apparently, a big, fat government pension is just not enough for some people. I support no amount of money could ever completely satisfy them.

This government is undercutting their political base in the province, which is rural landowners who have been screwed by Bill 19. This bill, already passed, makes it easier for companies like the ones mentioned here to roll through your land without the inconvenient business of actually recognizing your property rights. It’s pretty obvious if you care to look, who will benefit and who will pay for all the plans being made in this province.

It’s been said that people get the government they deserve. Is this our reward for returning the same “good old boys” to office for 40 years? If this crew is allowed to continue to “loot the treasury” for the benefit of their corporate buddies and themselves, the people of Alberta (with some of the lowest voter turnout rates on the planet) have only themselves to blame.

Brent Reese

North Star