Energy Probe

Negotiations that could see key assets of New Brunswick's public utility company sold to Hydro-Quebec are at a crucial stage, the government of Premier Shawn Graham said Monday as two other Atlantic premiers expressed concerns about a possible deal.

Danny Williams says he's sorry if he offended anyone when he described Quebec's political climate as "volatile," but the outspoken Newfoundland premier refused to retract the remarks, saying the blunt assessment was "reality."

"It is not my intention to offend the people of Quebec under any circumstances," Williams said Thursday. "If I have offended them in any way, absolutely, I'd be sorry for it – but acknowledging as well though that I was stating reality."