CHARLOTTETOWN – New Democrat leader Jack Layton today pledged $45 million for a third power transmission cable for Prince Edward Island, as part of a regional plan to create jobs and secure Atlantic Canada’s energy future.

“When rolling blackouts can’t turn heads in Ottawa, you know Ottawa’s broken. It’s time for a Prime Minister you can trust to help keep the lights on today and prepare for tomorrow’s energy needs. Unlike Stephen Harper, I won’t wait to fund the Third Cable,” Layton said.

PEI’s two aging and inadequate undersea cables to the mainland were blamed for rolling blackouts earlier this year. The Third Cable would add badly needed capacity with a new 200-megawatt electrical line in the Confederation Bridge’s “utilidor”.

Layton linked his pledge to a wider vision for regional energy security. He is also supporting Nova Scotia’s planned Maritime Link with Newfoundland and Labrador. Together, the two projects will complete an Atlantic Canada Green Energy Grid, creating new markets for renewable energy sources such as wind farms on PEI.

“My plan will help secure Atlantic Canada’s energy future, create thousands of new jobs, and keep utility bills affordable. This is the kind of forward-looking investment that will build a stronger and greener Canada. That’s Canadian leadership.”