Bipole III

Jon Gerrard raised the topic of the route of Bipole III. Given the municipalities, First Nations and private land owners threatening lawsuits over the west side route, the provincial government ought to go over exactly what the costs of running through the lake are.

Rosann Wowchuk is being a little disingenuous when she asks where the numbers came from on the cost savings.

Perhaps she should refer to the extremely detailed reports from John Ryan that are here. His breakdown of cost savings for hydro came in closer to $450 million.

Some in the NDP say the west is cheaper in comparison. Let's see those comparisons, please. If they are correct, then we can dismiss the very detailed analysis of John Ryan. But I am sorry if many are not prepared to take the NDP government at their word. Release the analysis.

What is with the secrecy?

Also, some claim that in addition to being cheaper that the line down the west is better suited to connecting with wind farms. I have not seen that. Could I see that report?

The only issue that really needs to be looked at is logistics and that can only be done by getting a full report on transport of submarine cable by CN Rail from the east to Gimli. CN said it could be done but it should have been a detailed analysis of the logistics involved.

Gerrard has correctly asked if the west side is the best route given the analysis of John Ryan.

I think if the NDP wishes to go on a smear and lash out angrily at those who suggest alternatives and have some research to back it up, they will find that the public reacts with the same belligerence towards them.

Release every detail that is available on why the other routes are no good and let's compare the three.

And for Pete's sake, stop boastful promises of crushing the Opposition and winning elections. It reminds me of what Gary Filmon Tories were doing just before they were defeated.



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Deficits

I'm sure they announced it so that many people would not notice it just before Christmas but Manitoba's deficit is now around $600 million.

It is going to increasingly hard to ignore deficit numbers in the new year because they are not going to disappear unless the economy turns around and there is a serious increase in revenue. What is likely to add some salt to the wound is the possibility that the Feds will decrease transfer payments to help end their own deficits.

Rosann Wowchuk in her new job as head of Manitoba's finances will have to either consider cuts or a tax to help stem the shortfall.

It is possible that Greg Selinger might try and call and election to nip this all in the bud. He is probably not looking forward to delivering a budget that either increases the present deficit or that comes with new taxes or cuts. If at all possibly, the NDP government might try and obscure how bad things are, deliver a good news budget and then call a snap a election.

It is an idea that even the Harper Tories might consider for themselves.



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