(Benjamin Shingler, Telegraph-Journal, Published Wednesday November 11, 2009)

New Brunswick's only New Democrat member of Parliament is weighing in on the proposed sale of NB Power.

Yvon Godin, the MP for Acadie-Bathurst, says the energy agreement with Hydro-Quebec isn't in his constituents' long-term interests.

Godin is concerned the sale would mean the province wouldn't have control over its future energy policy, and would put into doubt hopes to create more wind farms in northern New Brunswick.

Under the proposed deal, Hydro-Quebec would take over most of NB Power's assets for $4.8 billion, wiping out the public utility's debt. The rates of large industry would be cut by about 30 per cent, immediately falling in line with those of Quebec.

Hydro-Quebec would also freeze residential power rates in New Brunswick for five years.

"We're totally against the selling of NB Power," Godin said in an interview. "The freeze of electricity rates for residents - well, what happens after five years?"

Godin acknowledged that the provincial Crown corporation accounts for nearly half the province's debt, but he said it also has value as a job-creation tool if it's managed properly.

"We have to look at management of NB Power," he said. "It's like admitting we're not capable of doing our own things."

Regardless, he said a decision of such magnitude shouldn't be made without consulting the people.

"No premier has the right, or any government, to do that without consulting people," he said. "Let the people, the taxpayers, decide."

Godin made the comments in the wake the party's riding nomination convention Sunday in Saint-Isidore, where he was once again acclaimed.

The longtime MP was first elected to parliament in 1997 and has emerged victorious from five federal elections.

The key, he says, is remaining committed to his constituents long after the votes have been tallied.

"After the election you have to remember who put you there - don't think about them just six months before the election," he said, "Our job is to represent the people, not only to make laws in Ottawa. That's the job that I have accepted."

Godin said he's hopeful his riding can slowly climb out of the economic troubles of the last few years.

He said investments from the federal government's economic action plan have helped in that regard, but he'd like to see more go to "municipalities and villages right where the people are, to stimulate the economy."

"To give jobs directly at home," he said.

Godin said he continues to push for changes to employment insurance so that workers are eligible after 360 hours.

New Democrat leader Jack Layton also attended the nomination meeting.

"Yvon has been an excellent member of Parliament for this riding," he said in a release. "He has been fighting for real improvements to employment insurance for years, he spends countless hours fighting for the interests of his constituents and we are proud to have him as a hard-working member of our caucus."