Critics of the Emera Deal are not naive, partisan, or fools Premier

I wonder if Kathy and the Wilderdale government believe that all of us are ignorant, naive, not worthy of contribution to the discussion, partisan, or fools? Let me inform the Premier and the nodding ignorant heads - otherwise referred to as the caucus - that they should wake up and realize this is not the 60's and we are not going to let another Upper Churchill ruin the future of yet another 2 or 3 generations. As I have suggested in the past - Skinner and Dunderdale need to come out to a public debate and see if they can stand up to the critics who know full well this deal with Emera is a Legacy of Shame.


Below is a copy of a letter to the Editor in the Evening Telegram 
I felt it important that I and any others interested in our future should share these comments.
It is written by Charles Martin Elmsdale - a former resident of Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Natural Resources Minister Shawn Skinner recently wrote a letter to the editor in The Labradorian about the benefits Labradorians would receive from the Muskrat Falls project.

The people of Labrador deserve more than this letter to the editor. This is simply unacceptable. Other than his letter to the editor, I am certain that many Labradorians would appreciate if Minister Skinner could share with us the reports that he has that are based on the consultations with the Labrador people in Labrador communities that reveal:

1. Benefit considerations to individual Labrador communities and aboriginal groups:

2. Considerations (with cost estimates) to have the diesel generators in the communities on the north and south coasts of Labrador disposed of for cheap, clean, renewable and reliable hydro energy:

3. Cost-benefit analysis that actually examines the potential benefits to Labrador communities by gaining access to adequate power that will do more than simply allow them to keep the lights on over the winter months:

4. The results of the “consultations” undertaken by the Newfoundland Government prior to its awarding of contracts and signing interprovincial development agreements — please share a copy of that report.


5. A detailed project charter, including contracting requirements and listing all of the contracts that have already been awarded by the Newfoundland government under the name of the Lower Churchill development project.

To date, I would say to Minister Skinner, I believe it is fair to say that the people of Labrador have not been afforded the openness, public consultation, due process and due diligence that so many in this great country enjoy.

I would go so far to say that you cannot provide us much more than the letter to the editor that you have already provided, much less the analysis and reports I have suggested.

Shame on you, sir, and your government for taking your anti-democratic approach to a major development such as this.