Younger: Premier's Callous Remarks Unacceptable

 

November 9, 2011

 

(Halifax, NS) Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger says the premier’s callous remarks during today’s question period provide a window into the premier’s unacceptable views on small business.

 

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil raised the statements of a small business owner, Bill Knowlton, who said he was forced out of business by power rates.

 

“The premier coldly replied that he was in the wrong business if power rates drove him out of business,” says Younger. “The Dexter government needs to realize the impact small business has on our economy.”

 

Younger says the premier has bought into Nova Scotia Power’s rhetoric and spin.

 

“Instead of pointing to the impact of NSP’s greed and the affects it has on families and small business, the premier placed the blame firmly on the shoulders of a small business owner,” says Younger. “Small businesses make up more than half the jobs in our province and we cannot afford a premier who blames small business for his inability to reign in NSP.”

 

Younger says Nova Scotians need more people like Bill Knowlton, not a premier determined to side with the power monopoly.

 

“Small business owners across the province are struggling with power rates, struggling with fuel costs and are struggling because of the increased HST,” says Younger. “Small business owners cannot afford the Dexter government’s cozy relationship with NSP.”

 

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