New Brunswick Tory leader David Alward says the government is about to unleash a public relations campaign to convince residents that a deal to sell New Brunswick Power to Hydro-Quebec is a good idea.

Alward says his Conservatives will set up their own toll-free hotline and a website so people can have their say about the controversial tentative sale.

Alward says the Liberal campaign will cost $1 million for paid advertising.

He says it will also feature letters and commentaries in the newspapers from various people whom they are persuading to speak out in favour of the deal.

Last week, Graham signed a memorandum of understanding with Quebec Premier Jean Charest to sell most of the assets of N-B Power to Hydro-Quebec for nearly $10 billion.

Ads about the proposed deal are already running in local newspapers.