Larry Tetrault

Dawson Trail PC Candidate Larry Tetrault is concerned about the NDP plan to run the Bipole 3 power line through his constituency. 

"It's a very serious issue.  The people of Dawson Trail do not want to see 150 foot towers close to their residence and they don't want to have them on their farmland.  As you know this is probably the best farming area in the province.  It should go on the east side."

He says this message from the people is clear.  "That's what the people are telling me at a lot of doors that I've been knocking on in the last three weeks.  People are very concerned and I support my leader.  We are going on the east side, we have promised the people and that's what we are going to do."

PC Leader Hugh McFadyen was in Lorette this week supporting Tetrault in his bid for the new seat.  He says this proposed route for the power line is a bad idea.  "It will destroy farmland, it will be a blight on the landscape in this part of Manitoba and I'm very happy we have a candidate who's ready to stand up and fight on that issue on behalf of his constituents."

McFadyen notes talks with aboriginal communities about an east side route have already taken place.  "I've had several meetings with communities on the east side and the fact is the majority of those communities have already expressed support for an east side line.  The line for those communities doesn't go anywhere close to where those people are living.  it doesn't impact on farmland, it doesn't impact on their livelihood."

He adds they actually see it as a benefit.  "In the sense that it provides economic opportunities for impoverished east side communities.  In conjunction with the highway provides for an opportunity for a better life."

McFadyen feels the east side is really the best choice.  "This is an issue where we have an opportunity for a win-win situation.  East side First Nation communities are expressing support for the short east side line, communities further south where it impacts on farming are saying it makes no sense to run it here.  So why wouldn't we listen to all Manitobans who are speaking with a united voice on this issue?"