Press Releases
Former Premier Ralph Klein called upon to testify under oath! – March 2007
A citizens group in central Alberta, comprised of over 740 members consisting
of stakeholders and landowners taking interest in the orderly development of
electrical transmission lines is formally calling upon former Premier Ralph Klein
to testify under oath about his former government’s involvement in the
orchestrated planning of two new 500 KV transmission lines.
The Lavesta Area Group believes that there have been conflicts of interests,
improprieties, and favouritism by the Alberta Electrical System Operator (AESO)
and the Alberta Energy Utilities Board in the approval procedures for the two
proposed transmission lines, both of which will be for the benefit of AltaLink
Management.
In September 2006 AltaLink Management was assigned a contract, said to be worth
$2 billion, to build two 500KV transmission lines in central Alberta, despite
the fact the approval process was under review and not decided until December
2006.
Joe Anglin vice-chairman of the citizen’s group says that if Mr. Klein
will not voluntarily comply with the request to testify, steps will be taken
to compel Mr. Klein to testify, including steps to have Mr. Klein formally subpoenaed,
if that is what it takes.
The group wants to know why the Klein government intervened in the application
process to support AltaLink’s proposed 500 KV transmission lines. Mr. Anglin
says his group is scrutinizing Mr. Klein’s close relationship to the company
SNC-Lavalin for conflicts of interest because SNC owns 77% of AltaLink. One of
Mr. Klein’s closest confidants was Art Smith, a former CEO of SNC.
SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. (SNC) is one of the world’s largest utility
engineering and construction companies. SNC was the consultant that proved the
need to build the proposed transmission lines and SNC’s 77% ownership of
AltaLink, guarantees SNC the contract to build the lines. The Alberta public
is paying for 100% of the project.
Just as he left public office Mr. Klein announced he had accepted a position
as a consultant with the law firm of Borden Ladner Gervais. Borden Ladner Gervais
is the law firm that represents AltaLink. Coincidently the Executive Vice President
of SNC-Lavalin and Borden Ladner Gervais Regional Managing Partner both are members
of the AltaLink’s Board of Directors.
For more information contact Joe Anglin (403) 843-3279 or email jvanglin@telus.net.
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