NB Power purchase final: Quebec minister

The Quebec government says it has no plans to renegotiate a deal to buy NB Power, dismissing suggestions from New Brunswick that the multibillion-dollar agreement remains a work in progress.

Quebec Natural Resources Minister Nathalie Normandeau quashed talk of renegotiating the purchase of the utility as she left a cabinet meeting Monday.

"That's not on our radar screen," Normandeau told reporters in response to a question. "There's a signed agreement and it was negotiated beforehand. Voilà."

Her remarks appear to pour cold water on the suggestion, coming out of Fredericton, that the deal is in flux. The New Brunswick government has come under intense political fire over its plan to sell the assets of NB Power to Hydro Québec for almost $4.8 billion.

The Graham government has defended the sale by saying the money will help the province make investments in education and other areas, leading to more prosperity.

But critics have called it a sellout of key assets. Neighbouring provinces and states have also expressed concern, arguing the sale will give Hydro-Québec a quasi-monopoly in the Atlantic region.

New Brunswick's Opposition Conservatives have also complained that details are not being shared with the public.

The New Brunswick government answered critics by saying the details of the sale are still being worked out.

Energy Minister Jack Keir said details are still being negotiated and will be explained before the deal is officially signed, probably at the end of March. Justice Minister Michael Murphy also told protesters the government is trying to secure a better deal.

Normandeau's response Monday suggests otherwise. She said it's obvious the issue presents a political challenge for New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham's government.

"To look at the media coverage, it's clear there's a challenge there," she said. "But that's not new. Mr. Graham was aware of that from the moment the agreement in principle was confirmed."