EDMONTON, AB (November 1, 2011): The decision to build the Heartland Transmission Line above ground through Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan was flawed from the very start and robbed residents of having their concerns addressed, the Wildrose Caucus said today.

As per a ruling from the Alberta Utilities Commission today, the 500-kV line will proceed along the preferred east route despite tremendous opposition to the line from local residents, municipal governments and industrial groups.

Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith blamed Bill 50 – the Electric Statutes Amendment Act – which allows the Premier and cabinet to build huge transmission lines like the Heartland without having to demonstrate need or consult with the public and stick homeowners and businesses with the bill.

“Right from the start, this whole process has steamrolled over residents and business owners who have serious objections to this line,” Smith said. “It’s expensive, it’s unsightly, it’s going up near local schools, daycares, and farms, and it will drive up electricity bills and force jobs out of the province. This is what Bill 50 looks like in action.”

Today’s decision from the AUC comes more than a week after it was scheduled to be released. The delay occurred after Premier Alison Redford reversed a decision taken by Energy Minister Ted Morton to suspend Heartland. Redford stepped in and ordered Heartland to proceed because she thought it was “critical.”

The delay prompted by Redford raises serious questions about what the original decision was going to be, Wildrose Energy Critic Paul Hinman said.

“The Premier’s interference in this decision has further tainted the whole process,” Hinman said. “The AUC was ready to issue a decision more than a week ago, why did it take them eight days to issue it after the Premier stepped in?”

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

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For further information or to arrange an interview, media are invited to contact:

Evan Menzies

Communications Assistant, Wildrose Caucus

Ph: 780-904-4913