A challenge to Dunderdale, Jones, and Michael - Are you serious about protecting our people and our resources?

The New Brunswick ruling PC Government and Premier, David Alward have introduced a referendum law in that province. This follows the failed attempt by Shawn Graham and his ousted Liberal government to sell crown owned NB Power to Hyrdo-Quebec.

At the time - then Opposition leader - Alward promised to deliver a referendum law so people could have a direct say on significant issues.

Two things come to mind here for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador; Kathy Dunderdale should follow suit with her PC colleague in New Brunswick and offer the same democratic process for issues such as the development deal on the Lower Churchill and second - The Opposition Liberals and NDP should be demanding this process be enacted - particularly for the Lower Churchill development.

Kathy Dunderdale - a self-professed avid supporter that an unelected Premier should not be doing resource deals - has lost her way and believes that should not apply to her own circumstance. Further the deal has not undergone significant and necessary public scrutiny and debate - which would be available if a referendum process were used. If the Premier is so sure that this deal with Emera is so positive for our future - she would not hesitate to put it directly to us in the form of a direct question and vote. Dunderdale - unfortunately is relying on a general election - wherein she feels both Lorraine Michael and Yvonne Jones are too politically weak to fight.

This particular issue is very sensitive because of the failed contract on the Upper Churchill and the feeling of contempt toward Quebec each year the contract continues - and for Quebec's refusal to fairly negotiate on a transmission route. That is why the people need all the information on the deal with Emera, information on past negotiations with Quebec, and information relative to other options such as industrial development in Labrador.

If Shawn Skinner and Kathy Dunderdale are certain of the tremendous benefits they claim exist under the proposed deal - let them prove it out under a referendum process. If the Liberals and NDP want to help the people of the province and prove they are serious about becoming government - let them come up with a private members bill on referendums. Do something to protect the interests of our province and you may find that people would be willing to support you.