FREDERICTON - The Opposition in New Brunswick says the possible sale of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. could have major repercussions for the province as it grapples with cost overruns at the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant.
The provincial Tory government has been looking to Ottawa to cover roughly $1 billion in additional costs during the Lepreau refurbishment, which is being overseen by AECL.
But Liberal energy critic Brian Kenny says any sale of the federal Crown corporation could make it unclear how New Brunswick will recover that money.
Kenny says if Ottawa sells, it could muddy the waters over who is actually responsible for the cost overruns.
A report in the Globe and Mail said the federal government is poised to announce the sale of AECL to Montreal-based engineering firm SNC-Lavalin Group (TSX:SNC).
SNC-Lavalin says it will not comment until a deal is done.
