March 8, 1996
(Justice)

Consumer advocate appointed to appear before Public Utilities Board

Today the Minister of Justice, Edward Roberts, Q.C. announced that the Lieutenant-Government in Council, has appointed Dennis Browne as consumer advocate to appear before the Public Utilities Board at a rate hearing requested by Newfoundland Light and Power. Mr. Browne will represent the interests of domestic and general service customers of Newfoundland Light and Power before the Public Utilities Board which is determining the appropriateness of the proposed rate increase.

"This appointment is in line with government's commitment to ensure consumer's interests are represented at rate hearings," said the minister.

Dennis Browne, a senior partner with French Browne, is a member of the Panel of Arbitrators as approved by the Newfoundland Labour Management Co-operation Committee, and is an arbitrator and adjudicator under The Canada Labour Code. In 1989 he was appointed to the position of chairperson of the province's Labour Relations Board. In 1989 he was also appointed as counsel to the Winter Commission - the Report of the Archdiocesan Commission of Inquiry into the Sexual Abuse of Children by Members of the Clergy.

Mr. Browne will attend a meeting with the Public Utilities Board on Monday, March 11 at which time a date will be set for the hearings to commence.

Contact: Susan Laite, Assistant Director of Public Relations, (709) 729-0110.