BC Hydro ads charge up debate

BC Hydro's new television commercials are generating some political heat at the legislature in Victoria, with the NDP opposition saying there are better ways to spend public money.

The advertisements begin with images of former premier W.A.C. Bennett opening the utility's first dam on the Peace River in 1968, then show modern-day projects it is undertaking.

"It's all part of our plan to make our province cleaner, stronger and energy self-sufficient," the announcer says in the voice-over.

In the legislature Wednesday, the New Democrats said the government is wasting money on ads while it cuts vital health and education services.

"Tell us today how much the ad buy is and how long must we endure pictures of W.A.C. Bennett and water going over turbines," said energy critic John Horgan.

Energy Minister Blair Lekstrom admitted he didn't know how much the ads cost, but defended the expenditure.

"I think British Columbians want to know what government's doing. They want to know what the opportunities are."

Lekstrom said Hydro would release the cost of the ad campaign sometime in the future.