MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2002

Council slams Dhaliwal for impersonating an Energy Minister at G-8 meeting

Ottawa - The Council of Canadians today demanded that Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal protect Canada's energy security before Canada ends up adopting the Bush Energy Plan by default.

Minister Dhaliwal is co-chairing a meeting of the Energy ministers from the eight leading industrialized countries (the G8) who are meeting in Detroit, Michigan today in preparation for the G8 meeting in Kananaskis (June 26 - 27th). Today, Minister Dhaliwal and the other G-8 energy ministers are discussing energy security.

"Canada's energy security has never been more precarious," said Anil Naidoo, campaigner for the Council of Canadians. "Yesterday Ontario deregulated its electricity market, a development that will result in our largest province being integrated into a continental electricity grid."

The Council of Canadians is concerned with the lack of a national energy policy in Canada. Naidoo cited Alberta, Ontario and soon B.C.'s move toward electricity deregulation as a trend that will have profound repercussions for the Canadian economy. The recent Ontario court ruling on a case brought forward by CEP and CUPE highlights the fact that provinces are moving forward without proper legislation or consultation.

The federal 'energy' minister should be taking action to protect the interests of Canadians. Deregulation is a prescription for higher rates, more pollution and a less secure supply for Canadians.

The Chretien Liberals, before their election in 1993, strongly opposed NAFTA's energy provisions and promised to protect Canadians energy security. Mexico recognized that NAFTA was not in the interests of its citizens and demanded they be exempt from NAFTA's energy requirements.

"Without strong leadership from the federal government we will continue to rely on the market to take care of our energy needs. The market is no substitute for having a plan and we do not elect markets to take care of our national interests," said Naidoo.

The Council of Canadians is calling on Minister Dhaliwal to implement a moratorium on future energy export tie-ins to the US market until Canada has an energy plan that protects our energy security.

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