EDMONTON, AB (October 21, 2011): Premier Alison Redford’s decision to suspend transmission lines won’t solve the problem of Bill 50, which gives her and her cabinet a blank cheque to bill taxpayers for needless multi-billion dollar megaprojects.

Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith says without a full repeal of Bill 50, Redford will still be able to approve massive unnecessary transmission lines with untendered contracts behind closed doors.

The Bill still allows for transmission lines that will triple industrial power rates, drive industry and jobs out of the province, and violate landowner rights, Smith said.

“This government, with Ms. Redford’s full support, started a fire with Bill 50. The only way to put the fire out is to repeal it,” Smith said. “This is a bad law and cancelling a project here or there doesn’t change that. It’s still a bad law and it still needs to go.”

Wildrose Energy Critic Paul Hinman said every cabinet minister in the previous administration supported the Bill 50 approach and if Redford is serious about fixing that approach, she would hold a full session to repeal the law.

“Obviously, these individuals knew Bill 50 was wrong, but they passed it anyway,” Hinman said. “They now have an opportunity to do the right thing by getting rid of it all together.”

The Wildrose Caucus stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.