SAINT JOHN - With mounting speculation and opposition concerning the proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec, energy minister Jack Keir is asking residents to not be emotional when considering the deal.

During a media scrum in Saint John today, Keir said erroneous information is floating around, and he's determined to sway public opinion.

"I am going to be criss-crossing this province, not to sell anything, but to make sure that all New Brunswickers have an opportunity to hear the facts...the facts of how good this deal could be," he said.

"The facts on how this could really, in a positive way, change the landscape of New Brunswick, and that's what I'm going to do."

Keir said the province will continue to set its own energy policy and direction, which will include investment from the private sector.

He said the energy and utilities board will continue to have the final say over potential rate increases as well, while residential rates will be frozen for five years.