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Mason launches campaign pushing for electricity regulation
January 12, 2012
News release
For Immediate Release
Jan. 11, 2012
Mason launches campaign pushing for electricity regulation
Alberta’s NDP Opposition leader Brian Mason today launched a petition campaign to push for regulation of Alberta’s deregulated energy market.
“We’re paying the highest price for power ever this month, and consumers are riding a power rate rollercoaster month to month. The numerous calls, faxes and e-mails we’ve received on the issue tell me Albertans want off this ride,” Mason says. “People are showing us their power bills from a decade ago to show just how much more they’re paying these days. It’s outrageous that some people are paying double what they did ten years ago.
“We’re letting Albertans know there is an alternative to wild price fluctuations and corporate profiteering: a regulated electricity market,” Mason says. “Power is an essential service, and Albertans deserve the assurance of reliable, low prices only regulation can offer. Let’s work together to reregulate our electricity system.”
The core action of the campaign – a petition opposing deregulation and supporting regulation – can be signed online at www.ndpopposition.ab.ca/powerprices. The website also has printable petition pages for distribution, a hotline for Albertans to share their stories of power price pain, and background information on the issue. The campaign will also be promoted through Facebook and Twitter.
Brian votes no to MLA severence hikes
Four years ago, after the August long weekend and while Edmonton hosts the world track and field championships, MLAs push through their own severance package. Three months pay for every year warming a seat. Only NDPer Brian Mason votes no.
Rick Bell, Calgary Sun
July 31, 2005