EDMONTON, AB (November 28, 2011): The Redford PCs are hiding the details of a $3-billion contract with a private company that Alberta taxpayers – as the backers of the loan – are entitled to see, Wildrose MLA Rob Anderson said today.

In question period today, Anderson asked Energy Minister Ted Morton to publicly release the contract, which will see taxpayers fork over $3 billion over 30 years to North West Upgrading for the construction and operation of a bitumen upgrading facility – even if the facility fails.

Morton repeatedly refused to divulge the terms of the agreement.

“The PCs are committing Alberta taxpayers to a $3 billion deal with a tremendous amount of risk and they won’t even show us the fine print,” Anderson said. “Taxpayers deserve to know what the PCs have gotten them into, especially with such a huge amount of their money on the line.”

North West Upgrading has been lobbying PC MLAs on this project for years, Anderson added.  He also said the deal is part of a PC pattern - making deals behind closed doors with taxpayer dollars while musing about hiking fees and taxes on Alberta families.

“We don’t know if this is a good deal for taxpayers or a sweetheart deal for the company,” Anderson said. “Minister Morton should release the contract immediately.”

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

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