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Leger Marketing poll finds only one person in five supports the controversial sale to Hydro-Quebec.
Fredericton (26 Nov. 2009) - A new poll shows stiff public opposition to the sale of NB Power to Hydro-Quebec, a deal condemned last week by the New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees (NBUPPE/NUPGE).
A Leger Marketing survey released this week shows that the controversial deal is seen unfavourably by 60% of New Brunswick residents. Only 22% like the agreement while 18% are undecided.
"It's only one in five New Brunswickers that are actually supporting the deal," says Christian Bourque, vice-president of marketing for the polling company.
"And of those remaining 18% who have not made up their mind yet, they'll tend to sway with the majority, and that majority right now is saying no."
Conducted Nov.19-21, the poll's margin of error is plus or minus 4.1 percentage points 19 times out of 20.
The province's Liberal government announced the $4.8-billion sale Nov. 17. Public protests have already taken place.
NBUPPE president Susie Proulx-Daigle spoke out against the deal last week, noting the "large and justifiable outcry" from people across the province.
"If the NB Power deal goes through, what crown jewel of the province will next be sold by Premier Graham and his select team?" she asked.
"Will it be our hospital delivery system? The Saint John Regional Hospital? Maybe the new governance model for the community college system to be packaged for sell off?"
The union leader said no one can trust the misleading financial information that has been put out so far by the province in support of the deal.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
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NBUPPE condemns controversial sale of NB Power