Landowners group says spying episode puts energy board’s neutrality into question

Landowners group says spying episode puts energy board’s neutrality into question by Jim Farrell, With files from Heather Schultz, June 19, 2007, The Edmonton Journal
“The entire process has been tainted by private investigators who have egregiously invaded solicitor-client privilege,” said Anglin. … Anglin and lawyers who represent various landowners opposed to the line think the panel has now made clear it can no longer be considered a neutral regulatory body. … Opposition MLAs agree the AEUB has lost credibility…. “It’s chilling,” said Liberal energy critic Hugh MacDonald. “And the (board) states in their mandate that they want to do things in a fair, responsible manner in the public interest? It’s quite evident that there now has to be more members of the public on the Energy and Utilities Board. It’s stacked in favour of industry right now.” The AEUB damaged its reputation and its credibility by using private detectives, said NDP environment critic David Eggen. “The (board) is jeopardizing their integrity like never before,” Eggen said. “It’s outrageous. There’s been a lack of due process and transparency and honesty with this whole process.”