Public Encouraged to Express Opinions of Maritime Link Project

Liberal Energy and Environment Critic Andrew Younger is encouraging Nova Scotians and business operators to voice their opinions of the Maritime Link mega-project during the public hearing of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB).

Recent Political Advertisements Proof NDP Can't Be Trusted with Taxpayers' Money

Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil is continuing his call for the NDP government to stop spending millions of taxpayers’ money on political advertisements, and to instate the Auditor General’s office as the independent arbitrator on the use of taxpayers' money for government advertisements.

Liberals Reiterate Support for Keeping HST Off of Electricity Bills

Today in the House of Assembly, Liberal leader Stephen McNeil introduced a motion that urged all political parties to commit to keeping the provincial portion of the HST off of electricity bills in Nova Scotia and pledge not to put it back on in the future.

Liberals Call for an End to NDP Political Advertising with Taxpayers' Money

Today in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, the Leader of the Official Opposition Stephen McNeil introduced a bill that would end taxpayer funded political advertising commonly used by the NDP government, and require that all government advertisements be approved by the Auditor General.

Liberals Vote No to Dexter's Work of Financial Fiction

Today in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, the Leader of the Official Opposition Stephen McNeil, along with the entire Liberal Caucus, voted against the NDP’s highly questionable budget.

Evidence Shows Muskrat Falls Not Lowest Long-Term Cost Option for Nova Scotians: Liberals

Evidence filed today by the province’s Consumer Advocate and Small Business Advocate concluded the Maritime Link project being driven by the NDP government and Nova Scotia Power is not the best deal for Nova Scotians.

McNeil: NDP Fabricate Balanced Budget; Make Further Cuts to Education

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the budget introduced today by the NDP government is not balanced and is a serious disappointment to the people of Nova Scotia.

Liberal Caucus Calls for Emergency Debate on Maritime Link

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger has called for an emergency debate today in the House of Assembly on the accelerated timeline the NDP government has ordered for the Maritime Link project hearing.

NDP Punish Auditor General for $27 Million Discovery: Younger

Liberal MLA for Dartmouth East Andrew Younger says the NDP government has responded to repeated criticism from Auditor General Jacques Lapointe by overturning a decision by an all-party committee that gave Lapointe’s office a marginal budget increase.

McNeil: Increased User Fees Another NDP Tax Hike

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government’s increase of 1400 user fees by 5.8 per cent is yet another tax hike on Nova Scotians.

McNeil: Premier and Cabinet Knew About $27 Million Error Before the Budget Was Tabled

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says heavily redacted documents obtained through a freedom of information request show that Premier Dexter and his cabinet knew about last year’s $27 million budget error before the budget was tabled on April 3, 2012.

NSP Fails to Comply with UARB Order, Again: Younger

Liberal Energy critic Andrew Younger says after a letter from the Utility and Review Board yesterday, it is clear Nova Scotia Power cares little for Board directives and is intent on making ratepayers contribute more to the monopoly’s bottom line.

Liberals Among Interveners Requesting a Muskrat Falls Delay

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil has endorsed an open letter to Premier Darrell Dexter requesting a delay in the Utility and Review Board hearing that will decide the fate of the multi-billion dollar, ratepayer-funded Muskrat Falls hydro-electric project.

Regan: Housing Organizations Serving Single Client Groups Have Reason to Worry

Liberal community services critic Kelly Regan says the NDP’s decision to focus on mixed income housing means funding and support will be shifted away from affordable housing organizations that service single client groups.

Liberals: NDP’s Ferry Cut Still Costing Southwestern Nova Scotia

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says news that both companies interested in restarting the Yarmouth Ferry have been rejected by the Dexter government is disappointing and further proof that the NDP should have maintained the service while looking for a new operator.

Younger: The NDP Energy Tour Using Department Resources for Political Spin

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says the Dexter government’s energy tour led by its energy minister is simply an attempt by the NDP to use departmental resources to support a pre-election tour and gloss over the government’s lack of action on energy issues.

Younger: NDP Padding NSP’s Bottom Line, Chasing Away Renewable Competition

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says changes the Dexter government made to individual power purchasing agreements (IPPs) are padding Nova Scotia Power’s bottom line and chasing away renewable competition.

WRITTEN SUBMISSION BY THE NOVA SCOTIA LIBERAL CAUCUS

WRITTEN SUBMISSION BY THE NOVA SCOTIA LIBERAL CAUCUS Regarding Letter by the Nova Scotia Liberal Caucus concerning documents filed in confidence

Grits Granted Extra Hearing to Deal With Lack of Transparency Around Muskrat Falls

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil and energy critic Andrew Younger are applauding the Utility and Review Board’s decision to call an additional hearing to deal with Emera’s secrecy and redacted UARB submissions for the Muskrat Falls project.

Younger: NDP Block Further Investigation of $27 Million Budget Mistake

Liberal MLA for Dartmouth East and Member of the Public Accounts Committee Andrew Younger says the Dexter government’s members on the Public Accounts Committee teamed up to block further investigation of the $27 million budget mistake.

Younger: Call Steele, MacDonald and Treasury Board Chair Before Public Accounts

Liberal MLA for Dartmouth East and representative on the Public Accounts Committee Andrew Younger says former finance minister Graham Steele, current finance minister Maureen MacDonald and the Chair of the Treasury Board should be called before Public Accounts to answer questions about the NDP’s $27 million budget error.

McNeil: Liberals File Information Request to Investigate $27 Million Budget Mistake

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says his party has filed a series of freedom of information requests with the provincial government in an attempt to get to the bottom of the $27 million budget mistake.

Younger: Premier Must Release All Documents Surrounding Missing $27 Million In Budget

Liberal MLA for Dartmouth East and member of the Public Accounts Committee Andrew Younger says the premier needs to release all documents and records relating to the $27 million budget mistake to the public.

NSP Wants to Be Let Off Hook on Fuel Audit Penalty: Liberals

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says Nova Scotia Power is attempting to avoid paying the two million dollar fine levied against it for poor conduct during the Liberty Consultant fuel audit last fall.

Muskrat Falls Filing Shrouded in Secrecy: Liberals

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says Emera’s promise of a fully transparent process around the Muskrat Falls project didn’t materialize as several important sections of the documentation filed with the UARB earlier today have been redacted.

McNeil: Nova Scotia Saw Highest Electricity Price Increase in All of Canada in Last Year

 Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says according to Statistics Canada, Nova Scotia saw the highest increase in electricity prices in the last year as the Dexter government continued to defend Nova Scotia Power’s monopoly.

Premier Telling Half the Story on Muskrat Falls: Younger

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger is responding to comments made today by Premier Darrell Dexter where the premier is once again telling Nova Scotians half the story - this time it's about Muskrat Falls' impact on power bills.

Premier Needs to Intervene in U-Vint Fiasco: Liberals

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil and Liberal finance critic Diana Whalen have sent a letter to Premier Darrell Dexter formally requesting that he act to immediately resolve the legal mess that U-Vint/U-Brew operators are currently embroiled in with NSLC.

Muskrat Falls Power Outages Could Last a Month or More: Liberals

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says even before construction begins on the multi-billion dollar Muskrat Falls project, potential power outages along the transmission route are expected to last up to a full month or more.

Maintenance Enforcement Problems Were Avoidable: Regan

Liberal Status of Women critic Kelly Regan says this morning's news about lack of service at the relocated Maintenance Enforcement Program should come as no surprise to the Dexter government.

NDP’s Reduced Funding to Good Neighbour Energy Fund Hurting Low Income Nova Scotians

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government’s decision to reduce funding to the Salvation Army’s Good Neighbour Energy Fund is hurting low-income Nova Scotians.

NDP Once Again Fail to Protect Ratepayers: Liberals

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says that today’s announcement of two further power rate increases is bad news for Nova Scotians who are already struggling under the highest power rates in Canada.

McNeil: Show Nova Scotians the Proof on Muskrat Falls

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government must show Nova Scotians the price of power coming from Newfoundland through the Maritime Link.

McNeil: Taxpayers Need More Than 'Best Guess' on Environmental Liability at Bowater Site

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government has completely failed to protect taxpayers from a potentially massive environmental clean-up bill at the former Bowater site by not testing the soil or water before buying the mill.

Samson: Premier’s Position on NewPage Pensions Unacceptable

Liberal MLA for Richmond Michel Samson says the premier’s refusal to explore opposition proposed solutions to the NewPage pension shortfall is unacceptable.

Younger: Province Missed Opportunity to Diversify Electricity Market With Brooklyn Energy

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says he is disappointed in the premier’s decision to flip Brooklyn Energy to Emera and thinks the province should have used the opportunity to increase the diversity of Nova Scotia’s electricity market by selling the co-gen plant to an independent power producer instead.

McNeil: NDP Should Expropriate Bowater Land

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the NDP should expropriate the Bowater lands instead of handing what could potentially be hundreds of millions of dollars to Resolute.

McNeil: Maritime Link Costs Increase by 25 Per Cent

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says according to numbers provided today the cost of the Maritime Link has increased by 25 per cent or as much as $300 million.

McNeil: Nova Scotia Highest Energy Price Increases in Canada in Last Year

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government’s close relationship with Nova Scotia Power and inaction on power rates have caused our province to shoulder the highest energy price increases in Canada over the last year.

Too Close for Comfort: Documents Show NSP Influencing NDP Policy, Speeches

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says his caucus obtained government documents that show the NDP has given NSP influence over a speech made by the environment minister and are included on an email list that includes the premier’s inner circle

Younger: NDP’s Decision to Ease Mercury Emissions Cost Ratepayers $3.6 M

Liberal environment critic Andrew Younger says the NDP’s environmentally harmful idea to ease mercury emissions standards unnecessarily cost ratepayers more than $3.6 million.

Whalen Tables Bill to Create Voluntary Provincial Pension Plan

Liberal finance critic Diana Whalen tabled pension legislation to create a voluntary pension plan that provides for pooled, professionally-managed plans that will allow employees to keep their pension funds even if they change employers.

Liberal Bill Would Put Dexter’s Corporate Handouts Under the Microscope: McNeil

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil introduced a bill in the legislature Monday evening that forces greater accountability and openness on the Dexter government’s costly corporate handouts to big business.

Younger: NSP Must Reimburse Customers Plus Interest if Audit Upheld

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says Nova Scotia Power must reimburse ratepayers for the fuel overcharge plus interest should the findings of the Liberty audit be upheld by the Utility and Review Board.

Younger: NSP Must Advise Public of 'Frankenstorm' Contingency Plan

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says Nova Scotia Power should announce it's emergency and contingency plans for the 'Frankenstorm' forecast to hit parts of southern Nova Scotia.

Liberals Introduce Legislation to Green Manufacturing and Municipalities

Today in the House of Assembly, Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger introduced two pieces of legislation – one to support the manufacturing sector in reducing energy costs through green innovation, and another bill to allow municipalities to share excess heat or cooling energy from geothermal sources to small numbers of neighbouring properties.

Liberal Legislation Imposes Power Outage Fines, Greater Accountability on NSP

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says his caucus will introduce legislation today that forces Nova Scotia Power to set performance standards around reliability and imposes significant fines on Nova Scotia Power for outages that occur when those standards aren’t met.

Younger: NDP Copy Liberal Power Plan

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says despite Darrell Dexter’s fear mongering about the Liberal power plan, the Dexter government’s new legislation copies a great deal from the Liberal Ratepayer Protection Act, introduced a year ago.

Glavine to Table 100 Signatures a Day from Power Petition

Liberal MLA for Kings West Leo Glavine will be tabling 100 signatures a day from a petition opposing electricity rate hikes that started with Port Hawkesbury resident Archie Stewart, who had his electronic petition featuring 30,000 signatures turned away by the NDP.

Younger: Efficiency Programs Should Be Paid By NSP, Not Ratepayers

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says part of the Liberal power plan would see Efficiency Nova Scotia’s operations paid for out of Nova Scotia Power’s profits, instead of the efficiency tax the NDP government forced on every power bill in the province.

Younger: NSP Stands to Gain Hundreds of Millions from NDP Power Position

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says if Nova Scotians had any doubt the premier and the NDP had become cozy with Nova Scotia Power, they need look no further than the postcards that arrived in the mail from the NDP and Nova Scotia Power at the same time over the past few days.

McNeil: End Gas Price Regulation Before Gas Gets Even Less Affordable

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil re-stated his call to end the unaffordable gasoline policy put in place by the Conservatives and supported by the NDP just as Irving Oil announced it wants to increase the wholesale margin by 1.3 cents per litre.

Food or Power - A Choice Facing More Nova Scotians Everyday: McNeil

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says Nova Scotians are being pushed closer to the financial brink by a profit-thirsty Nova Scotia Power and an NDP government determined to protect the electricity monopoly.

McNeil: Time to Remove the Tax the NDP Called 'Immoral'

Nova Scotia Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says with gas up four cents per litre, it is time for the Dexter government to get serious about removing the tax-on-tax on gas.

NDP Efficiency Tax Will Cost Nova Scotians Even More

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the NDP efficiency tax the Dexter government decided to place on every power bill will likely increase by as much as $5 million as Efficiency Nova Scotia scrambles to make up losses as a result of an unfavourable tax ruling.

Whalen: Cuts to Health and Education, Higher Taxes, and Still a Higher Deficit

Liberal finance critic Diana Whalen says the recent budget update from the Dexter government shows the degree to which its economic mismanagement is hurting the province’s books – it cut from education and health care, increased our taxes, and still increased the deficit.

Younger: Include Solar and Geothermal in COMFIT

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger is renewing his call for the Dexter government to include solar and geothermal energy in its community feed in tariff program.

Younger Welcomes Baillie's Support for Liberal Position

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says he is pleased to see the Liberal rate of return proposal endorsed by the third party today.

McNeil: Gas Prices Up 23 Per Cent Under Dexter

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says gas prices are up 23 per cent since Darrell Dexter’s government took office and renewed his call for the NDP government to remove the tax-on-tax, a position the premier supported in opposition.

McNeil: Come Clean About Stern Negotiations, Offer Plan B

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says it is troubling the government has not delivered the promised update on negotiations with Stern as they try to reach an agreement that would see the former NewPage mill reopened.

McNeil: NDP Should Adopt Liberal Ratepayer Protection Act

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says if the Dexter government wants to reign in Nova Scotia Power, the government should simply adopt the Liberal Ratepayer Protection Act that has been tabled twice and twice blocked by the NDP.

McNeil: Deny Rate Increase, Reduce Rate of Return

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says Nova Scotia Power’s rate request should be rejected and its rate of return should be lowered in his opening statement presented to the Utility and Review Board.

Rates Still Increasing in 2013 and 2014

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the recent proposals put forward by the NDP government do nothing to address power rate increases of three per cent in each of the next two years.

Liberals' List of Power Rate Demands

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Liberal caucus wants the UARB to deny Nova Scotia Power's rate increase, reduce the monopoly's rate of return, force more audits on the utility, and have executive bonuses permanently removed from rates.

Rate Proposal Unfair, Need Further Reduction to Rate of Return

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says the proposed power rate settlement of three per cent increases for each of the next two years is unfair for Nova Scotians.

Liberals Plan Thorough Cross Examination of NSP

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Liberals will continue to scrutinize and cross examine Nova Scotia Power’s demand for more money from Nova Scotians when any new power rate proposal is brought forward to the Utility and Review Board.

Dexter Must Support Richmond in Fight Against Stern Tax Deal

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says Premier Darrell Dexter must support Richmond County as Stern becomes more aggressive and demands either tax increases or program cuts from the county.

Death and Taxes: Liberals Will Try Again to Have HST Removed from Funerals

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says his caucus will once again introduce a bill in the upcoming fall session of the Legislature to remove the provincial portion of the HST from the cost of funerals in Nova Scotia.

Liberals Pleased with UARB Decision to Deny Nova Scotia Power Domination

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger is pleased with the Utility and Review Board's decision today that denies Nova Scotia Power's request to burden six municipal energy cooperatives with a $30 million exit fee.

Regan: MEP Mismanagement Making Return to School Difficuilt for Families

The Liberal Critic for the Status of Women Kelly Regan says the NDP's mismanagement of the Maintenance Enforcement Program's relocation means a tough return to school for families who are not receiving their mandated maintenance payments.

McNeil Pleased as the Third Party Endorses Liberal Call for Regional Power Grid

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says he is glad to see bi-partisan support for a regional power grid for Atlantic Canada – an idea he has insisted was necessary since becoming Liberal leader.

McNeil Intervening at Rate Hearing, Calls on Premier Dexter to Attend

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil and energy critic Andrew Younger will be interveners at Nova Scotia Power's general rate hearing on September 13th and McNeil is calling on Premier Darrell Dexter to join him at the Utility and Review Board to oppose the latest rate hike request by the power company.

McNeil's Power Tour Feedback: More Choice, More Competition, More Protection

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the feedback he is receiving from Nova Scotians as he crosses the province on his power town hall tour is clear – Nova Scotians want more choice, more competition, and more protection from the power monopoly.

McNeil: NDP Preparing to Legislate Higher Power Rates

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government is finally ready to step in and overrule the Utility and Review Board, but in doing so, the premier will be legislating higher power prices resulting from the operation of a biomass facility.

Liberals would give power consumers choice, fairer prices

"It's about letting Nova Scotians know that real change is possible."

McNeil: Finance Minister’s Comments Mislead Nova Scotians

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the NDP finance minister’s comments in the media are out of touch with reality and the government has driven up the cost of living, slashed education and health funding, and have watched 7,900 full time jobs disappear in three years.

Premier Must Reconsider Defense of NSP’s Rate of Return

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says given reports from two independent consultants, Premier Darrell Dexter needs to reconsider his defense of Nova Scotia Power’s rate of return and force bi-annual performance audits on the power monopoly.

McNeil: Use Performance Audits and Competition to Curb NSP Costs

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says recent news of Nova Scotia Power’s failure to minimize costs comes as no surprise to ratepayers and says two Liberal solutions – performance audits and more competition – would help solve the problem.

Younger: Premier must Ensure Ratepayers are Protected in Lower Churchill Deal

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says with the cost of electricity from Lower Churchill still unknown and ratepayers on the hook for cost overruns related to the construction of the Maritime Link, Nova Scotians should be concerned by today’s announcement.

McNeil: Power Poverty Increasing Under Dexter Government

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the demand at energy assistance funds in Yarmouth and Antigonish has grown so dramatically that the organizations were unable to keep up with the increased demand for help.

McNeil: Premier Must Answer Questions Left Unanswered By Deputy Minister

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says statements made to the press by the energy deputy minister leave many questions unanswered and the premier needs to fill in the blanks.

Whalen: All Major Projects Suffering Setbacks, NDP Must Prove the HST Cut is Possible

Liberal finance critic Diana Whalen says every major project the Dexter government is relying on to drive the economic growth necessary to fund its $360 million HST promise is facing delays and setbacks.

Government Needs to Prove HST Cut Possible

Liberal finance critic Diana Whalen says the government needs to provide the proof behind its commitment to cut the HST as the ships contract is delayed, lacks a firm timeline and has yet to create any new jobs.

McNeil: Axe Tax-on-Tax, Save Four Cents per Litre

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the government can lower the cost of gas prices by four cents per litre simply by removing the tax-on-tax on gas.

McNeil: NSP Owes Ratepayers $21 Million After Fuel Adjustment Audit

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the results of the most recent fuel adjustment mechanism audit show that Nova Scotia Power paid $21 million too much for fuel and he says that money is owed to ratepayers through their power bills.

Whalen: Lack of Clear Ships Timeline Casts Doubt on NDP HST Promise

Liberal finance critic Diana Whalen says Tuesday’s shipbuilding announcement that featured no timelines, no new jobs and failed to address the project’s delays casts more doubt on the NDP government’s ability to deliver on its commitment to cut the HST in 2014.

Competition, Audit Solutions to NSP Pension Grab: McNeil

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says Nova Scotia Power’s attempt to force ratepayers to cover the utility’s pension shortfall would not happen if the Dexter government or previous Conservative governments had broken NSP’s monopoly and audited the company.

McNeil: NDP Government Holding Paving Tenders Back for Political Purposes

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government is not awarding tenders and crippling economic development in rural areas of Nova Scotia for its own political gain.

McNeil: Censored Documents from Nova Scotia Power Unacceptable

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says it is unacceptable for Nova Scotia Power to submit an analysis on executive expenses and redact the majority of the evidence.

McNeil: Three Years Later, Power Bills Up 20 Per Cent

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says power rates are up 20 per cent after three years of inaction from the Dexter government.

McNeil: NSP Shareholders Should Pay DSM and Save Ratepayers $40 Million

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Liberal caucus is not satisfied by the settlement presented at Tuesday’s Utility and Review Board hearing that will increase the $40 million electricity tax put on people’s power bills to $47.7 million.

McNeil: Dexter Government’s Inaction on Power is Driving Up the Cost of Living

 Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says power rates are the leading factor driving up the cost of living in Nova Scotia. 

McNeil: Dexter Gives $40k Untendered Contract to Failed NDP Candidate

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government handed a $40,000 untendered contract to a failed NDP candidate with a track record of defending gas regulation.

McNeil: NDP Turn Away Petition with Almost 30k Signatures

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil attempted to table an electronic petition today in the legislature that was signed by close to 30,000 Nova Scotians and asked the Dexter government to deny Nova Scotia Power’s next two rate requests – the NDP blocked the petition.

McNeil: Liberals Start Petition to Support Efforts to Fight NSP Rate Increases

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Liberals are starting a petition to offer support to the efforts of Archie Stewart of Port Hawkesbury.

McNeil: NSP’s Rate of Return Must Be Reduced

 Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government must reduce the power monopoly’s rate of return.

McNeil: NDP Refuses to Intervene to Prevent Nova Scotia Power Rate Hikes

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government voted down a Liberal resolution to support a province-wide petition calling for the NDP to intervene on behalf of Nova Scotia ratepayers during the upcoming electricity rate hike hearings.

McNeil: Liberal Amendment Would Force Election if NDP Break HST Promise Again

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil introduced an amendment today to the Financial Measures Act that would force an election if the NDP break their HST commitment for a second time.

NDP Refuse To Guarantee Latest HST Promise: McNeil

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the NDP voted down a Liberal amendment that would have triggered an election if the reigning government did not deliver the promised HST cuts in 2014 and 2015.

McNeil: Time to Break the Nova Scotia Power Monopoly

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says with Nova Scotians now facing even further electricity rate increases, breaking the Nova Scotia Power monopoly and creating a competitive, highly-regulated energy market is the only way to rein in sky-rocketing power bills.

McNeil: Nova Scotians Can't Afford Highest Power Rates

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says recent news from the National Energy Board shows Nova Scotians pay 12.638 cents per kilowatt hour, the highest rate for electricity of any province.

McNeil: Dexter Government Protecting NSP's Monopoly

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government’s continued efforts to protect Nova Scotia Power’s monopoly shows the government is not concerned with tackling increasing power costs that are driving up the cost of living.

McNeil: Nova Scotians Struggling to Keep Warm As Life Gets Less Affordable

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says that the Good Neighbour Energy Fund is out of money for a second time this season.

McNeil: A Liberal Government Will Break NSP's Monopoly

In a speech to more than 500 supporters at his party’s annual general meeting, Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says a Liberal government would break Nova Scotia Power’s monopoly.

McNeil: Liberals Offer Ways to Reduce Power Rates

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says his caucus introduced two bills in the legislature today to bring down the cost of power and make life in Nova Scotia more affordable.

Younger: Government Using Funds from Efficiency Nova Scotia

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says government departments have accessed funding from Efficiency Nova Scotia to pay for upgrades and energy efficiencies to properties owned and operated by the province.

McNeil: No Solutions to Power Rates in Dexter's Budget

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the latest Dexter government budget delivered on Tuesday failed to address sky-rocketing power rates even though the Liberals have presented numerous solutions.

McNeil: More Pain, Less Help from the Dexter Government

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government’s latest budget continues to gut social programs like public education and healthcare while ignoring the sky-rocketing cost of living.

McNeil: Give Drivers a Tax Break, Not Big Oil

Leader of the Official Opposition Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government should give Nova Scotians a tax break on gasoline instead of giving a multi-million dollar tax break to Big Oil.

Regan: NDP's Energy and Economic Policies Putting a Squeeze On Nova Scotians

Liberal community services critic Kelly Regan says a growing number of Nova Scotians are finding themselves in need of home heating assistance this winter due to the Dexter government’s high taxes and inability to rein in energy prices.

McNeil: Liberal Solutions Offer Relief from Gas Price Pain

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says he’s disappointed that the Dexter government still refuses to adopt Liberal solutions that would lower the price of gas and put money back in the pockets of Nova Scotians.

McNeil: Liberals Offer Practical Ways to Make Life More Affordable

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says that many Nova Scotians are finding it harder to keep healthy food on the table and keep their homes warm as inflation edges higher.

McNeil: Lower Churchill Crucial to Nova Scotia’s Energy Future

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Lower Churchill Falls project presents an opportunity to provide energy security, cleaner air and stable energy prices to Nova Scotians who have been gouged for over decade due to the province’s addiction to fossil fuels.

McNeil: Emera and NSP Contradicting One Another

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says that Emera’s CEO is contradicting Nova Scotia Power’s previous statements about the impact that NewPage’s shutdown will have on their operation costs and power rates in Nova Scotia.

McNeil: Time to Break Up Nova Scotia Power's Monopoly

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says with Nova Scotians facing a massive ten per cent increase on their electricity bills, ending the Nova Scotia Power monopoly may be the only way to protect the people of the province from further price gouging.

Younger Introduces Ratepayer Protection Act

Today in the legislature, Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger will introduce the Ratepayer Protection Act.

Younger: NDP Out of Touch on Energy from Hydro Quebec

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says that the Dexter government must act now so that Nova Scotians can enjoy cheaper, more environmentally friendly energy in Nova Scotia from Quebec.

MacLellan: Only an Independent Audit Can Put Equalization Debate to Rest

Liberal economic development critic Geoff MacLellan says that an independent audit of the province’s municipal equalization system is the only way to end the ongoing equalization debate.

Shareholders Earn More, Ratepayers Get Less

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says that Nova Scotia Power plans to send more to Emera and pay executives more while at the same time reducing investment in vegetation management to ensure reliability of the power supply.

McNeil: NSP Funneled $1 Billion Out of Province Since 2001

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says Nova Scotia Power sent one billion dollars directly out of the province over the last ten years while infrastructure is neglected and electricity rates skyrocket in Nova Scotia.

Younger: NDP and Tories Want Ratepayers to Pay for NSP Savings

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger said it is unacceptable for the NDP and Tories to want ratepayers to foot the bill for efficiency upgrades that will save the power corporation money.

Younger: NDP Create New Power Monopoly

Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger has sent a letter to Energy Minister Charlie Parker outlining problems arising from the new power monopoly created by the NDP.

McNeil: Two Easy Ways To Lower Gas Prices

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil said that there are two easy ways to lower gas prices: decouple taxes and deregulate gas prices.

McNeil: Fuel Costs A Burden On Nova Scotians

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil said that Nova Scotians cannot afford to continue having their gasoline taxed twice by the Dexter government. Today’s 5.2 cent increase pushes prices to $1.31 per litre.

Churchill: NDP's Numbers Prove Tax-On-Tax Hurting Tourism

Liberal economic development critic Zach Churchill said the NDP government’s recently released tourism numbers prove that gas prices are hurting the province’s tourism sector.

NDP Taking Advantage of High Gas Prices: McNeil

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the combination of NDP tax hikes and ever-increasing gasoline prices has the provincial government raking in tens of millions of dollars more from Nova Scotians than in years past.

McNeil: NDP Government Refusing to Take Action on Power Rates

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil wants Darrell Dexter and his NDP government to show leadership as Nova Scotians face a nine per cent hike in power rates this year.

NDP Must Keep Personal Income Tax Commitment

Liberal finance critic Leo Glavine is concerned that the Dexter government is about to renege on a promise to set income tax brackets to full indexation.

NDP Attempt to Bury Another Tax Hike

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the Dexter government’s two per cent increase of 1400 user fees is nothing more than another NDP tax hike.

McNeil: NDP Needs To Come Clean On HST Hike

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says after eight months of Nova Scotians paying the highest sales tax in Canada, the Dexter government refuses to release the analysis of its affects on the Nova Scotia economy.

Liberal leader speaks with local members

McNeil says cutting health boards could save Nova Scotians millions

Fewer can afford to eat healthy

MLA for Kings West Leo Glavine featured in the Kings County Register

The NDP's fudge it budget

"The provincial budget the NDP introduced April 4 is not balanced. The government's attempt to pass this document off as such is a serious disappointment for the people of Nova Scotia."

The truth about the 'balanced' budget

"By now the dust has settled and the truth about the 'balanced' provincial budget has been exposed."

NDP reject longer link review; Six months not long enough to review power project, opposition says

" Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger, who made the request for the special session, pointed to a list of interveners in the provincial Utility and Review Board hearing process who have requested an extension."

Fundy-area residents fed up with lack of high-speed Internet

Kings West Liberal MLA Leo Glavine, in whose riding the Burlington area is located, said perhaps it was overambitious to think high-speed Internet could be installed everywhere in the province by 2010.

Power Struggle

"We cannot afford, nor do we deserve more of the same from our government. We need a premier who understands the issues and is prepared to stand up for all Nova Scotians. That is Stephen McNeil."

POWER POLITICS; Muskrat Falls air war launched

Finance ministers won't appear at committee

"Grit MLA Andrew Younger said Finance Minister Maureen MacDonald, former minister Graham Steele and Treasury Board head Frank Corbett should come to the public accounts committee before the spring legislature sitting begins."

STEPHENSON: Parents striving to raise kids alone come first

"Liberal MLA Kelly Regan, who was sounding the alarm on program shortcomings long before the job transfers were announced, has hit exactly the right note on this issue."

Emera poised to file subsea cable plan; N.S. has agreed not to change rules on project while utility finalizes financing

"Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil said he is outraged by the agreement, which he believes protects Emera shareholders and not Nova Scotia ratepayers."

Finally, some financial prudence

Finally, some financial prudence

Dexter's press secretary sent notes to N.S. Power

"You'll have to ask Nova Scotians whether they think it's appropriate for the premier's office to be standing here being the ears and eyes for Nova Scotia Power at the legislature," McNeil said.

Dexter rapped for notes to NSP; Liberals ask if move appropriate; premier calls it business

"Quite frankly, it's unacceptable that the government needs to clear its speaking notes through this utility."

Dexter defends power plan; Premier says power bills may not rise but Muskrat Falls costs increasing

"Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil said it would be "lunacy at its best" for Dexter to sign on to a deal that has an unknown cost to Nova Scotians."

NDP should protect taxpayers and foster small business

MLA Kelly Regan in the Weekly News (Bedford)

Dexter braces for budget bill; N.S. hopes feds won't derail plans for balance

"This is just a way for the premier, in my view, to set the stage, if necessary, for him to back away from another commitment," McNeil said.

Liberal leader talks about power rates during visit

"Liberal leader Stephen McNeil took his power town hall tour to Yarmouth on Sept. 19, where he was joined by Yarmouth MLA Zach Churchill and Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger."

Grits would force NSP to compete for business

MLA for Glace Bay Geoff MacLellan in a letter to the editor in the Cape Breton Post.

NSP boss: Proposed deal a challenge; Utility must save $27.5m under power rate agreement

Nova Scotia Liberal leader Stephen McNeil featured in the Chronicle Herald.

Power rate controversy zapping NDP government's popularity

"Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil has been all over the power rate issue for mouths, drawing blood against the government at every turn."

Premier barks up the wrong tree on Liberal bid to open up the grid

"Maybe it's time Darrell Dexter realized Nova Scotians are struggling under power rates that have increased over 25 per cent on his watch, rather than saying things he knows are false."

Deregulation couldn't be further from the truth

Liberal Energy Critic Andrew Younger responds to NDP MLA Matt Whynot in an opinion piece regarding the Liberal position on electricity.

Twenty per cent local food by 2020

MLA for Kings West Leo Glavine on the importance of local food.

Liberals call on government to drop HST from funeral costs

Nova Scotia's Opposition Liberal party plans to introduce a bill that would remove the provincial portion of the HST from the cost of funerals.

Minister defends $125-million package for C.B. pulp mill; MacDonald: Industry anchor of local economy

"This was an opportunity to ask the business community to be partners, to talk about reinvestment, about how we stimulate the economy, how government and business can work together to do that," Whalen said.

Liberals would give power consumers choice, fairer prices

Nova Scotia Liberal leader Stephen McNeil featured in The Chronicle Herald.

Opponents rail against Muskrat Falls; Critics charge deal puts N.S. ratepayers at risk

"We will pay for a project that we won't own. We will pay for energy costs that we don't even know what they are, and we will be responsible for cost overruns," said Liberal MLA Andrew Younger.

Fix is in for Muskrat Falls review: Liberal MLA

“Basically, Nalcor will use our energy grid … to their benefit, for their profits, and Nova Scotians, at the end of 35 years, will have nothing to show for it,” Younger said.

Change is coming, Nova Scotia Power

Nova Scotia Liberal leader Stephen McNeil penned an op-ed piece in response to Rob Bennett, President of Nova Scotia Power.

Your pension is not our problem

"McNeil is right. NSP has to learn to sink or swim in the real world of competitive business."

Power hikes crippling Nova Scotia

MLA for Bedford-Birch Cove Kelly Regan featured in the Weekly News

EI changes could ravage farming

MLA for Kings West Leo Glavine discusses the proposed EI changes and the impact it will have on the Valley.

Emera criticized for executive party in Halifax

The Liberal Energy Critic says a party hosted by Emera last Wednesday is an insult to Nova Scotians.

Standing up to Nova Scotia Power's monopoly

MLA for Bedford-Birch Cove Kelly Regan featured in the Bedford Weekly News.

A shocking state of affairs

With N.S. power rates highest of any province, opposition demands action

Anger mounting over power rates

MLA for Kings West Leo Glavine featured in the Kings County Register

The Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP)

The Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) provides help to low- and modest-income Nova Scotians with the cost of home heating.

Liberals offer five-point plan for power rate relief

An op-ed piece by Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil.

Liberal MLA pushes for fairness in power pricing

An article in The Chronicle Herald regarding MLA for Dartmouth East Andrew Younger's introduction of the Ratepayer Protection Act.

Nova Scotia Power 'deal' not a good deal for you

MLA for Dartmouth East Andrew Younger featured in the Weekly News (Dartmouth, Cole Harbour)

Hearings on Electricity Price Increase Coming Soon—Have Your Say

An update on Nova Scotia Power hearings for rate increases, included in Andrew Younger's Summer 2011 Newsletter

Bracket creep robbery

Liberal MLA for Kings West Leo Glavine featured in the King's County Register

McNeil: Axe the tax on tax; Steele defends HST on gas

An article from The Chronicle-Herald

NDP decision will increase property taxes

Liberal MLA Andrew Younger in the Weekly News.

Amherst gas market dries up. Dealers: Most customers fuel up in N.B.

Nova Scotia Liberal leader Stephen McNeil is renewing his call for government to scrap regulation saying it's wasteful and ineffective.

Comprehensive tax review needed - Liberal caucus comes to Amherst

Reducing the HST alone will not solve the cross-border shopping issue that exists between Cumberland County and neighbouring New Brunswick, says Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil.