The recent scandal in which the Energy and Utilities Board has been spying on citizens who have concerns with new power lines from Edmonton to Calgary shows how far this government is prepared to go to interfere with our democracy. It has been clear for some time that the EUB – the regulator of all energy development in the province – will not stand in the way of development. The Energy Department sets the rules for the EUB so, again, the real responsibility for this violation of people’s rights lies with the Conservative government. Fortunately a courageous group of citizens has been willing to endure the lengthy hearings and now court cases which have found the EUB to be at fault.

Related to this is Bill 46, now before the Legislature, in which the Conservative government wants to divide up the EUB and form a separate Utilities Board and make it more difficult for citizens to raise objections on various developments.

The Premier and the Energy Minister (Mel Knight) need to hear from Albertans who want public access and accountability of their elected bodies.

Read the Call-to-Action sent out by Joe Anglin Vice-Chair Lavesta Area Group and join up to tell the government what you think:
Contact the Energy Minister and the Premier about Bill 46

Read recent articles on the subject:
Calgary Herald: Tories Urged to Fix Spy Scandal
Edmonton Sun: Premier’s Feeling the Heat
Canadian Press: Utility Regulator Breaches Privacy with Spies at Public Hearings