Third cable critical for PEI: candidate

CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND - The federal NDP candidate for Charlottetown says if he is elected, he will pay special attention to ensuring a third electrical cable is laid down under the Northumberland Strait.

"If I get elected, this third cable is going to be one of the top priorities, and I won't stop, I won't stop fighting for it until we get it on PEI," said Joe Byrne at his first rally. Byrne said the third cable would keep PEI's electricity more affordable, and greener.

"We need to find a way to keep developing wind energy in ways that are sustainable. We also need to look at ways of tying into a bigger grid," he said.

The province has requested a third cable from Ottawa because the current two cables are at the end of their life span. The condition of the existing two have caused blackout problems and often force the province to use an expensive back-up generator.

Charlottetown Liberal Candidate Sean Casey had not mentioned the cable issue in his campaigning, but said Sunday it was a priority for him as well.