B.C. NDP promise to freeze hydro rates if elected

John Horgan says he willfreeze BC Hydro rates if the NDP is elected May 9.

Horgan made the pledge just afterhe promised to eliminate tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges.

The NDP'sannouncement comes barely a week after electricity rates jumped nine per cent.

BC Hydro announced in November thatrates would climbanother 16.5 per cent over the next four years.

Horgan saidB.C. residents have no choice but to pay theincreases in order to power and heat their homes.

He saidfreezing rates and removing bridge tolls will make life more affordable for British Columbians.

The NDP is hoping an election campaign focusing on affordability willmove the party from the Opposition benches to power after 16 years of Liberal rule.

With files from Canadian Press