The Yukon's opposition politicians are crying foul after Premier Dennis Fentie shut down debate Thursday on a bill designed to protect publicly owned power facilities from privatization.

On Wednesday, the opposition Liberals presented Bill 110, which calls for a referendum to be held before any Yukon Energy Corp. assets are sold to private companies.

The Liberals have worked on the draft legislation for months while accusing Fentie and his Yukon Party government of holding secret negotiations with Alberta-based ATCO to privatize Yukon Energy assets.

But in the legislative assembly on Thursday, Fentie used his majority in the house to quash Bill 110 before any real debate could take place.

Fentie proposed adjourning debate on the bill "in the context and the spirit of co-operation and constructive, productive collaboration with opposition members," he said in the legislature.

"In order to expedite further dialogue to do the work necessary on Bill 110, between all parties, the public, the corporation, and possibly others, I move that debate now be adjourned on Bill 110," Fentie added.

Liberal Leader Arthur Mitchell called Fentie's decision to close debate an insult to Yukoners, while Liberal energy critic Gary McRobb said the move smacks of secrecy and dictatorship.