When it comes to dealing with the oil giants - Williams is on the mark. They are greedy beyond capitalist expectations - and are usually run by arrogant individuals. The negotiators and senior employees of these corporations make more in bonuses personally - by low-balling governments (owners of the resource) - in one year than most people in this province would make over 100 years.
Further it is important that industrial benefits and royalties reflect the reality of global economics at the time of agreement.
For those who wish to see the letter from government to the CNLOPB press HERE.
The response from Liberal Leader Gerry Reid was predictable and political. There are real examples of inconsistency with the Danny Regime - and even more evidence that he is a bully. He has failed miserably in the Pulp and Paper Industry - the Fishing Industry - and in the development of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The Premier is totally inconsistent with respect to wind development - hydro development - and the promise of an energy plan. These are significant issues which need alternate policy choices and real leadership with a vision.
Unfortunately the Libs are offering little as an alternate choice. The Official Opposition offers nothing on the energy side as they believed an energy plan was not relevant let alone essential - they had Abitibi Stephenville in their hands to fix - but let the election get in the way. The Official Opposition appear to be all over and nowhere at all regarding the fishery - outside a constituency comment here and there. The saddest of all is the Great Liberal Party is grabbing headlines via Grimes and Efford - while Dumaresque claims the party tent is getting larger. While it is nice to see the boys kiss and make up - the tent is hardly getting bigger - I'm sure the size of it is actually smaller with a group of opposition critics - who still believe they are Ministers - smothering any growth with stagnant air under a leaking canvas.
Kudo's to Williams for allowing the Minister of Fields and Farms to speak on oil and gas - this might be a sign of growth in his personality - more likely it's the Peckford Syndrome kicking in - somebody - in this case Sue's Blog points out the Premier controls certain Ministerial files - and then he - to prove that wrong - will do exactly the Opposite.
International Finance reports from Bloomberg
demonstrate exactly why Premier Williams should stand firm. Here's a quote from the Story:
Newfoundland is trying to maximize benefits and capitalize on high oil prices, which reached a record of $78.40 a barrel in July, said Martin Molyneaux, a Calgary analyst with FirstEnergy Capital Corp. Crude prices have dropped about a third in the past six months and Newfoundland risks driving the oil companies away, he said.
``If I was the government of Newfoundland, I wouldn't be playing too hardball with these guys because there are lots and lots of alternatives'' to investing in Newfoundland, said Molyneaux in a telephone interview. He rates Hibernia owner Petro-Canada of Calgary as a ``top pick'' and owns an undisclosed number of shares. ``You don't want to push too far because these companies have a long history of walking away when things get ridiculous.''
You see a Calgary analyst and Petro-Canada shareholder - telling us what's best for us - is suspect at best - and typical "they are stupid Newfs" at worst. So on the issue of oil and gas - keep up the fight Premier - take em for all their worth.
And just before I post - Danny Dumaresque just finished on Open-Line with Randy Simms - and most everything he said respecting the Premier and his failures are true - but he too fell into the trap of continuing the condemnation of bullying the oil companies. Sad really and the very reason the voters will reject the Liberal candidates. The Opposition does not have alternative policy except - handle the oil companies with kid gloves. John Efford - Roger Grimes - and Walter Noel should not be responsible for rebuilding the Party - in fact it will not work. Unless you mean what you say - and treat people with respect - there will be no grand recovery by October. There's no doubt the caucus are consummate politicians - take what they can - promise what they have to - and deliver as little as possible - in order to garner votes and support. It's time now to respect what the electorate want - a real choice - a new vision - and a clean sweep of the house.
There are two clear indications of what people are saying to the Liberals. One - Danny is making mistakes and is doing little to rebuild our provinces rural economy - he lost support but it went to the undecided column.
Two - they are unprepared to go another round with the old Liberal Cabinet - without the infusion of new blood and a very different policy platform.
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