In December of 2011 the following is an excerpt from a story in the Chronicle Herald
Emera spokesperson "Huskilson said there’s more to the Muskrat Falls deal for Nova Scotia
customers than simply getting a reliable source of renewable power. The
development of the entire Lower Churchill Project, of which Muskrat
Falls is just the first phase, should result in even lower energy rates
for Nova Scotia consumers, he says."
and
"Emera, and its Nova Scotia regulated utility Nova Scotia Power, will
also benefit from the revenue earned from the transmission of the power
generated in Labrador to markets in New England and elsewhere. How much
that will be hasn’t been determined yet."
add this to Sue's Blog reference yesterday from an Emera proposal to Massachusetts:
"Hydro-Québec’s current contractual access to energy from the Churchill
Falls facility, through arrangements with Nalcor, expires in 2041. As
the end of that contract draws closer, having Atlantic Link as an
additional large-scale transmission path creates options for
Massachusetts and the New England electricity system to secure
cost-effective clean energy, including supply originating at Churchill
Falls. Massachusetts has a unique opportunity to position the New England
electricity system for future optionality by choosing Atlantic Link
infrastructure in the 2017 Clean Energy RFP process."
What do we have? What don't we know?
Meanwhile Hydro-Quebec has it's own proposal for Massachusetts found here
Then have a look at this latest story from the Globe and Mail (BC edition)
You'll soon realize that our two masters are Hydro-Quebec and Emera.
Nalcor and Newfoundland and Labrador's water resources are managed, bargained, and controlled by others. We have done nothing to learn from the past.
More to come...
Showing posts with label Dean MacDonald. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dean MacDonald. Show all posts
Thursday, August 03, 2017
Tuesday, August 01, 2017
Commission of Government 2.0
The economic mess of Newfoundland and Labrador should be compared to the Great Depression - and we should soon realize that a bailout will become necessary.
The bailout required will not be restricted to financial but administrative as well.
The causes of the Great Depression are well established but the Muskrat Depression is something else again. It is representative of governments bereft of ideas, talent, capabilities, sound judgement while possibly being full of malfeasance.
We have now successfully repeated monumental mistakes of the past. By majority we do not know our history - for reasons of disinterest, ignorance, the lack of educational direction, and ineffective journalism.
Can we ever return to the modern version of "responsible government"? What will our options be to come out of Commission of Government 2.0 - after it occurs?
In 2017 descriptive words such as "Commission of Government" will not be used. More diplomacy will be required as the Canadian Government steps in as the British did in 1934.
In the 1940's the choices were continued and reformed Commission, return to Responsible Government or to become a Canadian province.
In the Commission of Government 2.0 the choices to exit may be a provincially run system within Canada, join in an Atlantic Union, (the Island with Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick and Labrador with Quebec) or if we say so a choice to leave Canada.
This sounds harsh - and no doubt the words I use above will be avoided and top level spin will put the situation in a different light. Ball has already started with the word "mitigate" and we should expect the word cooperate with other provinces - particularly Quebec and Nova Scotia to soon follow.
As with the Great Depression - the Muskrat Depression will question our ability ro govern ourselves and also highlight the massive economic woes that will leave us no other choice but to cooperate. We will be made to feel less than capable, less than who we are, and unable to be left on our own to survive.
Our Terms of Union with Canada were and are weak - they are reflective of a population that was coerced into giving up our sovereignty for pennies on the dollar (for our resources) in return for things such as the baby bonus. We will be made to feel inept and question our own selves and our abilities.
There's no doubt the fish merchants of the 40's and the Muskrat merchants of 2017 are very much alike and for their own direct gain they will sell out their fellow citizens in a heartbeat.
By placing Tom Osborne in the finance portfolio - we have basically committed to a bureaucracy run government. Maintaining Siobhan Coady in the resources portfolio we have committed to the Muskrat elite continuing the unstoppable but yet destructive Muskrat fiasco. Aboriginal issues that Lisa Dempster looks forward to dealing with comes with the caveat that the Premier has always found her "whiny". Perhaps the Premier feels the actions of the Land Protectors are "whiny" and therefore whiners should stick together,
Perhaps Gerry Byrne has shown interest in the inevitable leadership race and therefore placed in the guaranteed to lose Fisheries portfolio.
Being a little more wily - Canada will not transparently step on our turf - it will do so in the nicest possible way - saving us from ourselves - while sticking it to our independence.
Wherever the 3 amigos exist (Williams, MacDonald, and Tobin) Williams overtly PC - Tobin overtly Liberal - MacDonald swinging as is necessary) we are getting the shaft.
As in the original Commission of Government there are untouchable issues. For the original it was denominational education - the Commission felt it should change - become efficient and economically sustainable - however the churches (the all powerful in NL at the time) would not have it. In the modern Commission of Government 2.0 - where it's obvious Muskrat should be halted - it will be the one thing that will keep going as the Muskrat elite hold a power similar to the churches in the 1940's.
When I tweeted the other day that the only potential NL had left was that the "undecided" voters hold a lead in the polls at 33% - I meant it. If it was sustained and a new party emerged supporting the fundamental belief in responsible government - we could remove ourselves from the clutches of the Canadian wolf. That does not mean separation necessarily but does mean we will right our track and allow NL to survive for generations to come.
The bouncing back and forth between PC and Liberal will destroy us and the NDP that is disinterested in truly expanding and having ideas outside the historical position of Tommy Douglas - has left us in a place where taking a completely different chance on a new entity is not only palpable but desirable.
We do have people among us who are capable and truly understand the meaning of public service. People who are intelligent, creative, caring and dependable.
I can see right now that we are for all intents and purposes in the Commission of Government 2.0 - and if you watch the Federal government and the local Liberals closely you can see that too.
The only question that remains is how will we come out of it and what choices will we have?
We must act quickly or the Muskrat elite will remove all but one choice from our future.
Ball is the perfect candidate to move us through to Commission of Government 2.0 as he is the text book case of a "leader" needing somebody - anybody - to tell him what to do. Right now he is vulnerable to the worst of political scoundrels unless he himself is one also.
There is NO doubt Muskrat should be stopped now and we should use our place in Canada to recoup monies wasted via the failure of successive Canadian governments to pay us for the loss of our fishery.
There is no doubt a forensic audit should be done immediately on Muskrat Falls - to determine if there are people to be fired, investigated, and possibly charged. This cannot wait until the "completion" that is lunacy.
There is no doubt that Muskrat must be stopped to allow further investigation into the engineering of the project and potentially life threatening circumstances at the spur.
Our government is weak, the Opposition parties are weak, the Cabinet is weak, and we now must be strong.
The bailout required will not be restricted to financial but administrative as well.
The causes of the Great Depression are well established but the Muskrat Depression is something else again. It is representative of governments bereft of ideas, talent, capabilities, sound judgement while possibly being full of malfeasance.
We have now successfully repeated monumental mistakes of the past. By majority we do not know our history - for reasons of disinterest, ignorance, the lack of educational direction, and ineffective journalism.
Can we ever return to the modern version of "responsible government"? What will our options be to come out of Commission of Government 2.0 - after it occurs?
In 2017 descriptive words such as "Commission of Government" will not be used. More diplomacy will be required as the Canadian Government steps in as the British did in 1934.
In the 1940's the choices were continued and reformed Commission, return to Responsible Government or to become a Canadian province.
In the Commission of Government 2.0 the choices to exit may be a provincially run system within Canada, join in an Atlantic Union, (the Island with Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick and Labrador with Quebec) or if we say so a choice to leave Canada.
This sounds harsh - and no doubt the words I use above will be avoided and top level spin will put the situation in a different light. Ball has already started with the word "mitigate" and we should expect the word cooperate with other provinces - particularly Quebec and Nova Scotia to soon follow.
As with the Great Depression - the Muskrat Depression will question our ability ro govern ourselves and also highlight the massive economic woes that will leave us no other choice but to cooperate. We will be made to feel less than capable, less than who we are, and unable to be left on our own to survive.
Our Terms of Union with Canada were and are weak - they are reflective of a population that was coerced into giving up our sovereignty for pennies on the dollar (for our resources) in return for things such as the baby bonus. We will be made to feel inept and question our own selves and our abilities.
There's no doubt the fish merchants of the 40's and the Muskrat merchants of 2017 are very much alike and for their own direct gain they will sell out their fellow citizens in a heartbeat.
By placing Tom Osborne in the finance portfolio - we have basically committed to a bureaucracy run government. Maintaining Siobhan Coady in the resources portfolio we have committed to the Muskrat elite continuing the unstoppable but yet destructive Muskrat fiasco. Aboriginal issues that Lisa Dempster looks forward to dealing with comes with the caveat that the Premier has always found her "whiny". Perhaps the Premier feels the actions of the Land Protectors are "whiny" and therefore whiners should stick together,
Perhaps Gerry Byrne has shown interest in the inevitable leadership race and therefore placed in the guaranteed to lose Fisheries portfolio.
Being a little more wily - Canada will not transparently step on our turf - it will do so in the nicest possible way - saving us from ourselves - while sticking it to our independence.
Wherever the 3 amigos exist (Williams, MacDonald, and Tobin) Williams overtly PC - Tobin overtly Liberal - MacDonald swinging as is necessary) we are getting the shaft.
As in the original Commission of Government there are untouchable issues. For the original it was denominational education - the Commission felt it should change - become efficient and economically sustainable - however the churches (the all powerful in NL at the time) would not have it. In the modern Commission of Government 2.0 - where it's obvious Muskrat should be halted - it will be the one thing that will keep going as the Muskrat elite hold a power similar to the churches in the 1940's.
When I tweeted the other day that the only potential NL had left was that the "undecided" voters hold a lead in the polls at 33% - I meant it. If it was sustained and a new party emerged supporting the fundamental belief in responsible government - we could remove ourselves from the clutches of the Canadian wolf. That does not mean separation necessarily but does mean we will right our track and allow NL to survive for generations to come.
The bouncing back and forth between PC and Liberal will destroy us and the NDP that is disinterested in truly expanding and having ideas outside the historical position of Tommy Douglas - has left us in a place where taking a completely different chance on a new entity is not only palpable but desirable.
We do have people among us who are capable and truly understand the meaning of public service. People who are intelligent, creative, caring and dependable.
I can see right now that we are for all intents and purposes in the Commission of Government 2.0 - and if you watch the Federal government and the local Liberals closely you can see that too.
The only question that remains is how will we come out of it and what choices will we have?
We must act quickly or the Muskrat elite will remove all but one choice from our future.
Ball is the perfect candidate to move us through to Commission of Government 2.0 as he is the text book case of a "leader" needing somebody - anybody - to tell him what to do. Right now he is vulnerable to the worst of political scoundrels unless he himself is one also.
There is NO doubt Muskrat should be stopped now and we should use our place in Canada to recoup monies wasted via the failure of successive Canadian governments to pay us for the loss of our fishery.
There is no doubt a forensic audit should be done immediately on Muskrat Falls - to determine if there are people to be fired, investigated, and possibly charged. This cannot wait until the "completion" that is lunacy.
There is no doubt that Muskrat must be stopped to allow further investigation into the engineering of the project and potentially life threatening circumstances at the spur.
Our government is weak, the Opposition parties are weak, the Cabinet is weak, and we now must be strong.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Danny's idea of punishment remains skewed. Stop the Muskrat Fiasco
Published on March 10th 2011 - how are we doing now?
Danny's idea of punishment was skewed - do not let this cost us yet again!
As we muddle along into Danny's vision of a legacy - we should be reminded what happens when we as people do not ask questions regardless of media and opposition disinterest.
The Upper Churchill goes down in the history of western world developments as one of the worst deals ever to be perpetrated on a people.
Today as we see Hydro-Quebec lower its rate for Quebec consumers - we are pondering an astronomical raise in rates to accomplish what Nalcor says is a need to get rid of Holyrood.
Imagine our children having to deal with Holyrood and Labrador oil generated facilities while Hydro-Quebec and the people of our neighbouring province enjoy virtually complete hydro generated power - including the fabulous 5000 MW's from the Upper Churchill. That is a cost of that mistake. Our children should be enjoying complete clean renewable hydro energy but for the mistakes of Joey Smallwood, John Crosbie, Bill Rowe and others. We can thank a silent opposition of the day as well.
Imagine our children leaving Newfoundland and Labrador to work in processing facilities powered by our energy and value adding from our resources. That is the cost of such a mistake.
Imagine a place full of renewable hydro losing industries and not gaining them at a time when energy hungry smelters and refining facilities seek such energy in today's marketplace. That is the cost of that mistake.
Imagine our children's shoulders burdening billions in debt as we continue to lose billions we could have enjoyed - if a mistake was not made on the Upper Churchill contract.
Imagine - for years - we accepted a significant reduction in equalization payments because we produced the energy from the Upper Churchill - even though we were not the beneficiaries of the tremendous profits. Ottawa looked and said - even though the deal was bad - you could be collecting more - so we will reduce your payments as if you were. Billions more in lost revenues - a cost of doing a bad deal.
Imagine - had we simply waited - we would have attracted industry and developed the power for the benefit of Labradorians. Imagine what could have been in the 70's and 80's as oil prices rose from 60's prices of $3($18 adjusted for inflation) a barrel to $38($90 adjusted for inflation)dollars a barrel and now even greater again. That attractive hydro power that uses water not oil for fuelling generation. That water that is not impacted by an oil embargo from the Middle East in the 70's or the civil unrest in Libya today.
Imagine we would be debt free like Alberta - we would be utilizing a significant portion of our oil revenues for a heritage fund so that our grandchildren benefit from the non-renewable resources we are extracting now. Instead it is keeping us artificially afloat - keeping our growing budget in health care intact - until that is - when the oil is gone. That too will be a cost of that mistake.
Imagine the pride and not anger we could feel if we had just questioned a little more and waited for the right opportunity for us. Labrador's population could have exploded and industry could have flourished. We would not blame Quebec for our own mistake and their intelligence in choosing risks.
Here we are again - Danny says the Emera deal will right the wrongs of the Upper Churchill. What a joke. Does he take us all for fools? Apparently and that continues on with his successor Premier Dunderdale. We are mad at Quebec so we will go around them - be damned the cost - we will punish them.
Danny's idea of punishment clearly is skewed. Stephen Harper's lie robs us of 10 billion dollars - he punishes him by electing all Liberals (who cares) and by sending Fabian Manning to the Senate (oh the pain). Currently he wants us to punish Quebec by ramming through a hydro project which ships even more power out - to another company (publicly traded) which is vulnerable therefore for takeover. Punish Quebec by driving our power rates through the roof while making competitive jurisdictions cheaper.
Danny did not right the wrongs of the Upper Churchill as he promised - if there was a deal to be done on the Lower Churchill. I believe if it's even possible he's made matters worse.
First the unearned arrogance of the PC government continues to assume that the best possibility for power development is for export. Prove this to me and the rest of our people. Prove how exporting even more of this industrially attractive resource helps Newfoundland and Labrador more than if we used the power here. Show us the numbers - the normal economic studies that would be completed to reach such a conclusion. The government will have studies on everything but the economics of shipping out hydro power versus utilizing it through industry in Labrador.
The Upper Churchill will continue to punish generations of our people for decades to come - we hardly need to couple that misery with the untested policy of yet another Churchill development.
Why would industry ever consider coming here if we so willingly ship it to more convenient jurisdictions. Jurisdictions that already enjoy an advantage through the use of our raw resources?
We lose our fishery - and we sit and take it.
We lose our forestry - and we sit and take it.
We lose billions of dollars from a Harper lie - we sit and take it.
We are now on the verge of losing yet another tremendous resource - will we sit and take it?
What will it take for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to stop taking it and stand up for their children and grandchildren?
Why are we not in the streets and demand action?
Danny bluffed and bluffed and bluffed. We lost and lost and lost - on his way out he has asked us to giveaway yet another resource. This time say no. Just say no.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
The chickens ate the fox...
Now that we have seen the first moves of Nalcor's new CEO - underwhelmed seems an appropriate reaction.
Stan Marshall the successful head of regulated private utilities has either lost his touch or has been directed to stay the course.
Ed Martin was not the only executive responsible for the complete failure of our corporation. Martin however appears to be the only casualty.
We have already been told that Marshall will carry on with Muskrat without real justification or real numbers relative to cancel or go on the project.
The savvy that the former head of Fortis demonstrated at the helm of the private utility is absent now.
One very telling comment came during a media event last week when Marshall was responding to a question regarding potential privatization of the Crown Corporation. He stated "The sheer fact that I'm in my role means it can't be done."
In a world of real journalism this would have been like a red flag to a bull. This would have caused a flurry of questions similar to a nor'easter - fast furious and fierce. Here in Newfoundland and Labrador progressive natural resource deals were placed on the endangered list starting with the Upper Churchill deal - and competence on the subject from our "journalists" has been extinct for decades.
There is no excuse for missing this. We must be able to have some faith in the news media - but we can't. If we are relying on them to keep their eye on the ball - we have lost the game before we played.
What was Stan Marshall saying? He is in a conflict? What role? What can't be done? What prevents him from considering that option?
As all of you know I am the champion of keeping Nalcor/Hydro Crown - but if what Marshall says means what I think it does - it would also prevent the company from looking at the reverse - nationalizing Newfoundland power. It would also prevent Nalcor from becoming aggressive with other potential opportunities. Ones that could make us money.
Worse than all of this - in a round about way - was Marshall indicating that the conflict of interest provisions applicable to the former CEO of Nalcor's contract do not exist in his?
If this is the case and Marshall refuses to clean up the conflict - he too should be replaced.
Enough already. Show us Marshall's contract - what are you hiding now?
MacDonald Tobin Williams - the three amigos - whose turn is it this time?
Stan Marshall the successful head of regulated private utilities has either lost his touch or has been directed to stay the course.
Ed Martin was not the only executive responsible for the complete failure of our corporation. Martin however appears to be the only casualty.
We have already been told that Marshall will carry on with Muskrat without real justification or real numbers relative to cancel or go on the project.
The savvy that the former head of Fortis demonstrated at the helm of the private utility is absent now.
One very telling comment came during a media event last week when Marshall was responding to a question regarding potential privatization of the Crown Corporation. He stated "The sheer fact that I'm in my role means it can't be done."
In a world of real journalism this would have been like a red flag to a bull. This would have caused a flurry of questions similar to a nor'easter - fast furious and fierce. Here in Newfoundland and Labrador progressive natural resource deals were placed on the endangered list starting with the Upper Churchill deal - and competence on the subject from our "journalists" has been extinct for decades.
There is no excuse for missing this. We must be able to have some faith in the news media - but we can't. If we are relying on them to keep their eye on the ball - we have lost the game before we played.
What was Stan Marshall saying? He is in a conflict? What role? What can't be done? What prevents him from considering that option?
As all of you know I am the champion of keeping Nalcor/Hydro Crown - but if what Marshall says means what I think it does - it would also prevent the company from looking at the reverse - nationalizing Newfoundland power. It would also prevent Nalcor from becoming aggressive with other potential opportunities. Ones that could make us money.
Worse than all of this - in a round about way - was Marshall indicating that the conflict of interest provisions applicable to the former CEO of Nalcor's contract do not exist in his?
If this is the case and Marshall refuses to clean up the conflict - he too should be replaced.
Enough already. Show us Marshall's contract - what are you hiding now?
MacDonald Tobin Williams - the three amigos - whose turn is it this time?
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Premier Coleman? I think not!
We have many "successful" people in our province. Most are not in business - however there are some in our business community who have a well-rounded "success" portfolio.
Frank Coleman appears to have achieved financial, family, and social success - if one were to read articles about him or if one knew him personally.
For me - that's not the question. The question is what would the person do if he/she became Premier.
As a board member of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador Holdings Inc. - I trust Mr. Francis Colemen is well aware of and compliant with the fiduciary duties he has.
Emera NL has a mission: our team is helping channel the energy potential of Newfoundland & Labrador, to provide clean, renewable and reliable electricity for Nova Scotia and beyond.
There is nothing in the statement above that makes me believe the bests interests of our province is the objective. If Mr. Coleman wants to channel our most lucrative resource outside Labrador - he should run for the Premiership of Nova Scotia or beyond.
In my opinion his candidacy would be nothing more than a continuation of an agenda that is not the best for Newfoundland and Labrador - rather a agenda to make the wealthy wealthier.
Frank Coleman appears to have achieved financial, family, and social success - if one were to read articles about him or if one knew him personally.
For me - that's not the question. The question is what would the person do if he/she became Premier.
As a board member of Emera Newfoundland and Labrador Holdings Inc. - I trust Mr. Francis Colemen is well aware of and compliant with the fiduciary duties he has.
Emera NL has a mission: our team is helping channel the energy potential of Newfoundland & Labrador, to provide clean, renewable and reliable electricity for Nova Scotia and beyond.
There is nothing in the statement above that makes me believe the bests interests of our province is the objective. If Mr. Coleman wants to channel our most lucrative resource outside Labrador - he should run for the Premiership of Nova Scotia or beyond.
In my opinion his candidacy would be nothing more than a continuation of an agenda that is not the best for Newfoundland and Labrador - rather a agenda to make the wealthy wealthier.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Enough of the Bullshit
This week we heard our former Premier Danny Williams use the word bullshit to describe population projections for Newfoundland and Labrador by the Conference Board of Canada.
We also heard him dismiss Bill Barry completely for a run at the PC leadership.
Top that with a new legacy for his family announced with plenty of "Mile One" like fanfare.
What's bullshit is this:
I need a line here - and I need a line there. I need for you to be proud. I need a development on the lower churchill. You will be Premier - you will run - you will not run? We got it - we are have - we are cool, hip, and PROUD.
Grimes should shut-up - but I don't need to? Harper should shut-up - but I don't need to? The Conference Board of Canada - well that's bullshit - listen to my well researched statistics and projections instead?
Hydro-Quebec is good - Hydro-Quebec is bad - take em on - lace up the skates - go around em - through em.
I will fight with Abitibi - shag it if we lose two papermills? I will fight with Harper - shag it if we lose any number of things?
I will boot Fabian out (he supported his people)? I will remove Tom from Cabinet (for something he did not do)?
I will tell you when to be proud and tell you when it's over. I will tell what resources will be developed and when? I will avail of those resources myself - when I want and how I want?
The throne of God is diminished in his presence?
That's bullshit. It always was bullshit and remains bullshit.
I will tell the media when they can speak to me - what they can ask me - and dismiss them at my will - I will punish and sue and punish and threaten to sue - don't give a shit if it's valid?
Look at me - I'm Danny Williams - Look at me?
Bullshit.
We also heard him dismiss Bill Barry completely for a run at the PC leadership.
Top that with a new legacy for his family announced with plenty of "Mile One" like fanfare.
What's bullshit is this:
I need a line here - and I need a line there. I need for you to be proud. I need a development on the lower churchill. You will be Premier - you will run - you will not run? We got it - we are have - we are cool, hip, and PROUD.
Grimes should shut-up - but I don't need to? Harper should shut-up - but I don't need to? The Conference Board of Canada - well that's bullshit - listen to my well researched statistics and projections instead?
Hydro-Quebec is good - Hydro-Quebec is bad - take em on - lace up the skates - go around em - through em.
I will fight with Abitibi - shag it if we lose two papermills? I will fight with Harper - shag it if we lose any number of things?
I will boot Fabian out (he supported his people)? I will remove Tom from Cabinet (for something he did not do)?
I will tell you when to be proud and tell you when it's over. I will tell what resources will be developed and when? I will avail of those resources myself - when I want and how I want?
The throne of God is diminished in his presence?
That's bullshit. It always was bullshit and remains bullshit.
I will tell the media when they can speak to me - what they can ask me - and dismiss them at my will - I will punish and sue and punish and threaten to sue - don't give a shit if it's valid?
Look at me - I'm Danny Williams - Look at me?
Bullshit.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Williams still controls media?
If one were to watch the news yesterday - they would get the distinct impression that Danny was coming back.
The amount of media the former Premier garnered yesterday was enviable. Many worthwhile groups would love to have even one tenth of the immediate pandering the local news gives to Williams.
1. He changed the name of his development to honour his mother. Lovely (Happy Mother's Day) - not news.
2. He thinks Bill Barry is not fit for office of the Premier. Marvelous (Coffee chat) not news.
3. "Bullshit" - Danny says to the Conference Board of Canada's report on our projected population numbers. Brilliant (conspiracy theory) not news.
News: Former Premier refuses to take his own advice and shut-up after he leaves politics.
News: Williams gets sweetheart land deal - unheard of price and quick rule changes.
News: Williams believes only he can be Premier - so he's going to run again.
News: Williams believes Dunderdale failed. (then again that would be his failure as well)
There is news in the Danny's successful attempt at getting attention yesterday.
On an editorial note: who is deciding what's worth covering?
Right now there are journalists holding their breath - waiting for Danny to pick his favorite for leader. You can bet that will surpass the importance of any other story on the day that shoe drops.
The amount of media the former Premier garnered yesterday was enviable. Many worthwhile groups would love to have even one tenth of the immediate pandering the local news gives to Williams.
1. He changed the name of his development to honour his mother. Lovely (Happy Mother's Day) - not news.
2. He thinks Bill Barry is not fit for office of the Premier. Marvelous (Coffee chat) not news.
3. "Bullshit" - Danny says to the Conference Board of Canada's report on our projected population numbers. Brilliant (conspiracy theory) not news.
News: Former Premier refuses to take his own advice and shut-up after he leaves politics.
News: Williams gets sweetheart land deal - unheard of price and quick rule changes.
News: Williams believes only he can be Premier - so he's going to run again.
News: Williams believes Dunderdale failed. (then again that would be his failure as well)
There is news in the Danny's successful attempt at getting attention yesterday.
On an editorial note: who is deciding what's worth covering?
Right now there are journalists holding their breath - waiting for Danny to pick his favorite for leader. You can bet that will surpass the importance of any other story on the day that shoe drops.
Friday, January 24, 2014
New PC leader will come from Outside
The PC race - so to speak - is remarkably active.
A party at 20% in the polls usually finds it tough to grab serious interest from the outside - but this time it's different. There's significant cash and wealth on the line.
The Liberals have elected a competent, successful, professional - who just happens not to be one of the backroom elite. The money - old and new - and the political establishment in Newfoundland and Labrador were not successful in electing their candidate for Liberal leader. As I've said before - Dwight Ball is a people's leader and will be a people's Premier after the next election.
So - the boy's club - thinking they could count on taking over the Liberal Party in the wake of a disastrous performance by the current government - were left surprised. Up until a few months ago - if all else failed they might have gone the Jack Harris/NDP route.
There is no doubt the boys will be very careful this time around. They need somebody who can make corporate resource giveaways look like the people just won the lottery. Considering most of the current PC MHA's don't have that "X"factor - most not even considered Cabinet material - the new leader has to be a savior.
If the boys had managed to own the Liberal Party the PC's would be doing the usual government on the way out thing - where a few sitting members would run as caretaker while they sit out a new Liberal rule.
So what's likely then?
Inside we can see possibly:
Team King
Team Dalley
Team Davis
Commoners
Outside it may be the:
Team Barry McDonald Tobin
Team Powers Penney Sullivans
Establishment
I suspect Danny may be either - as either can meet his needs - as a citizen.
Marshall - who has always been there - just in case - oops correcter is now the Interim Premier leaving him to stay neutral - so to speak - that is continue to help usher for the feature film. Marshall - interim of everything (thereby confirming the lack of depth in the back bench) gets to have the title - be the boss - and protect the boat until a new skipper can be found.
Powers - who so coincidentally was introduced as a guest VOCM talkshow host over the past year - is now known more broadly by the electorate. He's well known in the lobbyist and corporate masters arena.
Barry - is a provincial character - fish merchant - I believe is a Gates type individual - wherein if we give him all the money - all the fish - all resources - he'd be happy to give some back to what he considers worthwhile causes and people. Competition not needed.
Both have enemies and both represent the establishment.
Question is which one can they sell to the people? Maybe neither - so they will be looking further afield for a back-up just in case.
At this time I predict - the new leader will come from the outside - in order that the resource giveaways keep a coming.
This is going to be a real test for the people of the province. Do they support the establishment merchant or the leader of the people?
A party at 20% in the polls usually finds it tough to grab serious interest from the outside - but this time it's different. There's significant cash and wealth on the line.
The Liberals have elected a competent, successful, professional - who just happens not to be one of the backroom elite. The money - old and new - and the political establishment in Newfoundland and Labrador were not successful in electing their candidate for Liberal leader. As I've said before - Dwight Ball is a people's leader and will be a people's Premier after the next election.
So - the boy's club - thinking they could count on taking over the Liberal Party in the wake of a disastrous performance by the current government - were left surprised. Up until a few months ago - if all else failed they might have gone the Jack Harris/NDP route.
There is no doubt the boys will be very careful this time around. They need somebody who can make corporate resource giveaways look like the people just won the lottery. Considering most of the current PC MHA's don't have that "X"factor - most not even considered Cabinet material - the new leader has to be a savior.
If the boys had managed to own the Liberal Party the PC's would be doing the usual government on the way out thing - where a few sitting members would run as caretaker while they sit out a new Liberal rule.
So what's likely then?
Inside we can see possibly:
Team King
Team Dalley
Team Davis
Commoners
Outside it may be the:
Team Barry McDonald Tobin
Team Powers Penney Sullivans
Establishment
I suspect Danny may be either - as either can meet his needs - as a citizen.
Marshall - who has always been there - just in case - oops correcter is now the Interim Premier leaving him to stay neutral - so to speak - that is continue to help usher for the feature film. Marshall - interim of everything (thereby confirming the lack of depth in the back bench) gets to have the title - be the boss - and protect the boat until a new skipper can be found.
Powers - who so coincidentally was introduced as a guest VOCM talkshow host over the past year - is now known more broadly by the electorate. He's well known in the lobbyist and corporate masters arena.
Barry - is a provincial character - fish merchant - I believe is a Gates type individual - wherein if we give him all the money - all the fish - all resources - he'd be happy to give some back to what he considers worthwhile causes and people. Competition not needed.
Both have enemies and both represent the establishment.
Question is which one can they sell to the people? Maybe neither - so they will be looking further afield for a back-up just in case.
At this time I predict - the new leader will come from the outside - in order that the resource giveaways keep a coming.
This is going to be a real test for the people of the province. Do they support the establishment merchant or the leader of the people?
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Government by Remote Control - Can't Turn the Channel
How many Premiers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
and yet - the light bulb still did not work.
The title suggests many things - but I will start here.
How is it that Kathy Dunderdale resigned before Ed Martin?
How is it she was essentially fired by a caucus that did not insist on the removal of Ed Martin.
Who do permanent interim everything Marshall and incompetent Energy guru Martin work for? Is he still there?
"Carry on Government" - the title of a feature tragic comedy - where a resource wealthy jurisdiction is controlled by a megalomaniac - through puppets of convenience. NOTE: Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. It is at times like these that I miss the artistic works of Jerome Kennedy. Surely he can do at least a Limerick on this - of course in collaboration with one of the Loyola's.
Kathy Dunderdale's resignation will be the subject of the next post. I promise!!! Sounds like I'm considering political office.
and yet - the light bulb still did not work.
The title suggests many things - but I will start here.
How is it that Kathy Dunderdale resigned before Ed Martin?
How is it she was essentially fired by a caucus that did not insist on the removal of Ed Martin.
Who do permanent interim everything Marshall and incompetent Energy guru Martin work for? Is he still there?
"Carry on Government" - the title of a feature tragic comedy - where a resource wealthy jurisdiction is controlled by a megalomaniac - through puppets of convenience. NOTE: Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. It is at times like these that I miss the artistic works of Jerome Kennedy. Surely he can do at least a Limerick on this - of course in collaboration with one of the Loyola's.
Kathy Dunderdale's resignation will be the subject of the next post. I promise!!! Sounds like I'm considering political office.
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
The Twang from Abroad Powers - Martin - and Dalley
yet another short post...
I'm starting to wonder what the inside scoop is on future employers for certain of our public figures. Take for instance the Newfoundland and Labrador lost son Tim Powers - the Ontarian in him has certainly taken hold with his "ehs" and Ed Martin and Dawn Dalley of Nalcor - they are turning right into Haligonians (not a flower) with their "folks" this and "folks" that.
Hows (notice my change here) about some fun not funny speculation eh?
Tim the Conservative Voice Powers might be lining up to take on a federal seat - or even Dunderdale's job - after all - Upper Canada - needs some "trained" Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to carry the Ottawa torch. Maybe he is back to "burn all the boats" particularly with his Crosbie heritage.
Then there's Ed and Dawn perhaps not in Orlando (not a singing group) preparing for a change of employer as Halifax based Emera continues its privatization march throughout our land - hauling natural resource wealth from the health and education budgets of our province and into the outstretched and "well connected" arms of the elite offshore.
If Kathy is listening to Ed and Ed marches to Williams Symphony No. 5 - then the fluid movement of redundancies will continue to mount for the 3 amigos.
Quite the state we have here - fibre optical illusions - power/s ball jackpot - and one continuing joke on us the people.
The next couple of years are going to be dandy. I wonder what's in the offing for us "gull"ible people.
Wonder what the New Dawn's Agreement 2014 will look like. I should look toward the Mc"Cleods" where James and Cathy MacBennett may be talking.
I'm starting to wonder what the inside scoop is on future employers for certain of our public figures. Take for instance the Newfoundland and Labrador lost son Tim Powers - the Ontarian in him has certainly taken hold with his "ehs" and Ed Martin and Dawn Dalley of Nalcor - they are turning right into Haligonians (not a flower) with their "folks" this and "folks" that.
Hows (notice my change here) about some fun not funny speculation eh?
Tim the Conservative Voice Powers might be lining up to take on a federal seat - or even Dunderdale's job - after all - Upper Canada - needs some "trained" Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to carry the Ottawa torch. Maybe he is back to "burn all the boats" particularly with his Crosbie heritage.
Then there's Ed and Dawn perhaps not in Orlando (not a singing group) preparing for a change of employer as Halifax based Emera continues its privatization march throughout our land - hauling natural resource wealth from the health and education budgets of our province and into the outstretched and "well connected" arms of the elite offshore.
If Kathy is listening to Ed and Ed marches to Williams Symphony No. 5 - then the fluid movement of redundancies will continue to mount for the 3 amigos.
Quite the state we have here - fibre optical illusions - power/s ball jackpot - and one continuing joke on us the people.
The next couple of years are going to be dandy. I wonder what's in the offing for us "gull"ible people.
Wonder what the New Dawn's Agreement 2014 will look like. I should look toward the Mc"Cleods" where James and Cathy MacBennett may be talking.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Danny Williams Flashbacks Energy Flashbacks
How are we doing now? All energy deals? How does Muskrat stack up?
Globe and Mail March 2006
Excerpt
"So let's create some evenness. Let's create some stability."
or how about these gems? Globe and Mail March 2006
'This province has been perceived as a province that's down and out. Well, not any more. We're not used to surpluses, but we better get used to it.'
DANNY WILLIAMS
'We will not burden our grandchildren with the consequence of our own actions.'
LOYOLA SULLIVAN
Globe and Mail March 2006
Excerpt
Not only is Mr. Williams seeking equity in and higher royalties from the Hebron project, he said the province will demand more control and participation in all future energy deals, specifically, a refinery or processing plant to bring jobs and stability to areas outside of St. John's, where unemployment rates are chronically stuck in the double digits.
Mr. Williams doesn't think his demands are unreasonable.
"What I'm saying is: Give us some long-term employment," Mr. Williams said in an interview at his St. John's office. "Then we can have a sustainable industry that is not just boom or bust. Project in, project out."
or how about these gems? Globe and Mail March 2006
'This province has been perceived as a province that's down and out. Well, not any more. We're not used to surpluses, but we better get used to it.'
DANNY WILLIAMS
'We will not burden our grandchildren with the consequence of our own actions.'
LOYOLA SULLIVAN
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Dean MacDonald come Clean
Dean MacDonald has placed himself right in the middle of the Liberal Leadership Campaign and therefore in the middle of debate and discussion.
So who are you Dean MacDonald? What is your claim to fame that makes you somebody to be listened to regarding this leadership contest?
1. You support the Muskrat Falls deal.
What we need from you on this is for you to compare the deal you were doing on the Lower Churchill when Brian Tobin was in power, the proposed development you rejected under the Roger Grimes administration and the deal in front of us under the Danny Willams administration.
You are in a perfect and unique position to be able to compare all three. You can tell us what makes this Muskrat deal superior to the other two you worked on.
You can tell us what happened to the Brian Tobin deal and what you gave up for a development that did not even happen.
2. You support Cathy Bennett - who supports the Muskrat Falls deal.
Did you at any time sit with Cathy Bennett on the Nalcor or various hydro boards?
The Muskrat Falls deal was cut under Danny Williams. Did you support Danny when he was Premier? Did you support him when his government cut a cheque for your company Persona? As a supporter of Danny Williams as a PC - do you acknowledge that he turned the Premiership over to Kathy Dunderdale? What has Kathy done differently than Danny Williams that has caused you to go Liberal? What can Cathy Bennett do with a Muskrat Falls deal that she was part of, supported, and was the poster face for - all under the PC government?
Did you at any time express to anyone that Cathy Bennett was not a Liberal and you could not support her?
Have you spoken to Danny Williams about the Bennett campaign? Has Cathy Bennett spoken to Danny Williams either before announcing or bid or after?
If one is to take you seriously and follow your "lead" to the Cathy Bennett camp - you need to prove your worth following anywhere.
Last time I looked you were on Twitter telling Con O'Brien to open his mind. That's a joke right?
Is this yet another Solid Gold idea?
So who are you Dean MacDonald? What is your claim to fame that makes you somebody to be listened to regarding this leadership contest?
1. You support the Muskrat Falls deal.
What we need from you on this is for you to compare the deal you were doing on the Lower Churchill when Brian Tobin was in power, the proposed development you rejected under the Roger Grimes administration and the deal in front of us under the Danny Willams administration.
You are in a perfect and unique position to be able to compare all three. You can tell us what makes this Muskrat deal superior to the other two you worked on.
You can tell us what happened to the Brian Tobin deal and what you gave up for a development that did not even happen.
2. You support Cathy Bennett - who supports the Muskrat Falls deal.
Did you at any time sit with Cathy Bennett on the Nalcor or various hydro boards?
The Muskrat Falls deal was cut under Danny Williams. Did you support Danny when he was Premier? Did you support him when his government cut a cheque for your company Persona? As a supporter of Danny Williams as a PC - do you acknowledge that he turned the Premiership over to Kathy Dunderdale? What has Kathy done differently than Danny Williams that has caused you to go Liberal? What can Cathy Bennett do with a Muskrat Falls deal that she was part of, supported, and was the poster face for - all under the PC government?
Did you at any time express to anyone that Cathy Bennett was not a Liberal and you could not support her?
Have you spoken to Danny Williams about the Bennett campaign? Has Cathy Bennett spoken to Danny Williams either before announcing or bid or after?
If one is to take you seriously and follow your "lead" to the Cathy Bennett camp - you need to prove your worth following anywhere.
Last time I looked you were on Twitter telling Con O'Brien to open his mind. That's a joke right?
Is this yet another Solid Gold idea?
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Tobin via Williams via MacDonald via Bennett
Any chance Dean MacDonald - the current cheerleader for PC appointee Cathy Bennett - in bid for Liberal leadership - can explain to us the difference in the proposed deal by Roger Grimes for the development of the Lower Churchill and the current fiasco on Muskrat Falls?
Liberal/Tory/Liberal/Tory - they do not possess political ideology that's coherent.
Tobin via Williams via MacDonald via C Bennett - keep control is what it's all about.
So Tobin as Premier who cut a government deal with Williams on Cable Atlantic contract and Williams as Premier who cut a deal with MacDonald on Persona government investment - and are where as it relates to C Bennett?
Force the subject media - let us examine the Grimes proposed deal and this Emera/Nalcor deal. Give the people the details - compare costs, revenues, consumer prices, jobs, recall, and ownership. Dean had a hissy fit as Chair of Hydro under Grimes and stomped off claiming the proposed deal was so bad. Yet his buddy and business chap Williams managed to get him to really like the Emera deal - and now - well he's a Liberal again supporting the PC appointed Chair of Nalcor while they were cutting the PC deal.
This is what they expect Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to accept. This is how stupid they think we are?
Time to compare.
Liberal/Tory/Liberal/Tory - they do not possess political ideology that's coherent.
Tobin via Williams via MacDonald via C Bennett - keep control is what it's all about.
So Tobin as Premier who cut a government deal with Williams on Cable Atlantic contract and Williams as Premier who cut a deal with MacDonald on Persona government investment - and are where as it relates to C Bennett?
Force the subject media - let us examine the Grimes proposed deal and this Emera/Nalcor deal. Give the people the details - compare costs, revenues, consumer prices, jobs, recall, and ownership. Dean had a hissy fit as Chair of Hydro under Grimes and stomped off claiming the proposed deal was so bad. Yet his buddy and business chap Williams managed to get him to really like the Emera deal - and now - well he's a Liberal again supporting the PC appointed Chair of Nalcor while they were cutting the PC deal.
This is what they expect Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to accept. This is how stupid they think we are?
Time to compare.
Friday, July 26, 2013
What was John Ottenheimer talking about?
Okay let's go a step further.
After the signing of the 1999 GWAC agreement between CFLCo - which was refused release by government at the time for: "Commercial agreements such as those among Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, CF(L)Co and Hydro-Quebec are confidential. If released, they could compromise ongoing negotiations between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Quebec related to the Gull Island development. Commercial agreements of this magnitude cannot be negotiated in public."
Then Minister Paul Dicks alluded to John Ottenheimer's concerns which were:
"It is most inaccurate for Mr. Ottenheimer to suggest that the new Shareholders’ Agreement gives control to Hydro-Quebec, "Mr. Dicks said. "If Mr. Ottenheimer had inquired, he would have found out that Hydro-Quebec previously had many of these rights under previous contractual agreements and the laws of the Canadian Business Corporations’ Act. The Shareholders’ Agreement, which was executed in 1999, serves to recognize many of these rights that were already held by Hydro-Quebec."
Oh yes - the entire Tory caucus had issues with this GWAC/Shareholders Agreement. They had issues regarding control of our energy future under this 1999 agreement.
Dicks also said: there is no circumstance where Hydro-Quebec could gain control over CF(L)Co or dilute Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro’s ownership interest from the current 65.8 per cent.
Yup - that's true but the concern was of management control not actual ownership.
Where have all those concerns gone?
What did Quebec get by providing and additional 2 billion dollars of revenue for our hydro - over the life of the contract? What did they get.
After the signing of the 1999 GWAC agreement between CFLCo - which was refused release by government at the time for: "Commercial agreements such as those among Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, CF(L)Co and Hydro-Quebec are confidential. If released, they could compromise ongoing negotiations between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Quebec related to the Gull Island development. Commercial agreements of this magnitude cannot be negotiated in public."
Then Minister Paul Dicks alluded to John Ottenheimer's concerns which were:
"It is most inaccurate for Mr. Ottenheimer to suggest that the new Shareholders’ Agreement gives control to Hydro-Quebec, "Mr. Dicks said. "If Mr. Ottenheimer had inquired, he would have found out that Hydro-Quebec previously had many of these rights under previous contractual agreements and the laws of the Canadian Business Corporations’ Act. The Shareholders’ Agreement, which was executed in 1999, serves to recognize many of these rights that were already held by Hydro-Quebec."
Oh yes - the entire Tory caucus had issues with this GWAC/Shareholders Agreement. They had issues regarding control of our energy future under this 1999 agreement.
Dicks also said: there is no circumstance where Hydro-Quebec could gain control over CF(L)Co or dilute Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro’s ownership interest from the current 65.8 per cent.
Yup - that's true but the concern was of management control not actual ownership.
Where have all those concerns gone?
What did Quebec get by providing and additional 2 billion dollars of revenue for our hydro - over the life of the contract? What did they get.
What did Hydro-Quebec want? What did we agree to?
I'm sure we can all agree on one thing - Hydro-Quebec does not give up a thing unless something greater of value is there for it.
In 1999 when CFLCo was threatened with going broke - our province sought ways to generate more revenue into the Corporation. This of course was another disastrous consequence of the Upper Churchill deal wherein under certain circumstances HQ could invest money in CFLCo in return for common shares.
It is of course arguable that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador could keep CFLCo afloat with tax dollars - thus avoiding a complete HQ takeover of the Upper Churchill - however Brian and Deano went for a "new" deal.
The Guaranteed Winter Availability Contract (GWAC) was born and with that "new" rights for Hydro-Quebec.
The way CFLCo functioned was a 2/3 (NL) 1/3 (HQ) ownership/management situation wherein we had majority shareholder rights. The new agreement changed that to requiring an approval from HQ on all important business/contract/management issues.
Let's get one thing clear - HQ did not have to accept GWAC - they had rights to power anyway and had them cheap. The GWAC gave us the better deal on the power sales at market value. Therefore it is certain that HQ got something out of the deal.
Despite HQ's winning protest and position that the Upper Churchill Contract could not be changed - leaving us the poor owners of an extremely lucrative resource; HQ got a change and it was definitely in their favour.
So what then was HQ after? Why did they "give" us a deal for power at market value?
Even the current government is out touting HQ as the devil - opposed to Newfoundland and Labrador. So in that case what did we give up in 1999?
Here's the wording in part;
Part of the Shareholders Agreement among NL Hydro, Hydro-Quebec, and CFLCo June 18th 1999
Article 3 Board of Directors
3.4 Special Majority Decisions of the Board of Directors
The following decisions will require the approval of a majority of the directors on the Board of Directors, including at least one director nominated by NL Hydro and one director nominated by Hydro-Quebec on the Board of Directors:
3.4.6
...the entering into, amendment or termination of any Material Contract to which CFLCo or any Subsidiary of CFLCo is a party or to which CFLCo or any Subsidiary of CFLCo may become a party, unless such entering into, amendment or termination has been previously approved in a budget approved under Section 3.4.2 or 3.4.3;
Material Contract defined: "Material Contract" means (i) any contract involving a monetary commitment of CFLCo or having a value to CFLCo of $10 million or more in the aggregate and (ii) any contract which restricts CFLCo from carrying on its Business, including the contracts listed on Schedule E;
Business defined: "Business" means the business of CFLCo which shall be limited to the following purposes and objects:
(a) to produce or otherwise acquire and to transmit and to sell electricity;
(b) to harness or otherwise make use of water for the purpose of producing hydroelectric and hydraulic power and for any other purpose;
Our politicians need to all come clean. Why did HQ want the change above? - and now that they have it - what did they want it for?
In 1999 when CFLCo was threatened with going broke - our province sought ways to generate more revenue into the Corporation. This of course was another disastrous consequence of the Upper Churchill deal wherein under certain circumstances HQ could invest money in CFLCo in return for common shares.
It is of course arguable that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador could keep CFLCo afloat with tax dollars - thus avoiding a complete HQ takeover of the Upper Churchill - however Brian and Deano went for a "new" deal.
The Guaranteed Winter Availability Contract (GWAC) was born and with that "new" rights for Hydro-Quebec.
The way CFLCo functioned was a 2/3 (NL) 1/3 (HQ) ownership/management situation wherein we had majority shareholder rights. The new agreement changed that to requiring an approval from HQ on all important business/contract/management issues.
Let's get one thing clear - HQ did not have to accept GWAC - they had rights to power anyway and had them cheap. The GWAC gave us the better deal on the power sales at market value. Therefore it is certain that HQ got something out of the deal.
Despite HQ's winning protest and position that the Upper Churchill Contract could not be changed - leaving us the poor owners of an extremely lucrative resource; HQ got a change and it was definitely in their favour.
So what then was HQ after? Why did they "give" us a deal for power at market value?
Even the current government is out touting HQ as the devil - opposed to Newfoundland and Labrador. So in that case what did we give up in 1999?
Here's the wording in part;
Part of the Shareholders Agreement among NL Hydro, Hydro-Quebec, and CFLCo June 18th 1999
Article 3 Board of Directors
3.4 Special Majority Decisions of the Board of Directors
The following decisions will require the approval of a majority of the directors on the Board of Directors, including at least one director nominated by NL Hydro and one director nominated by Hydro-Quebec on the Board of Directors:
3.4.6
...the entering into, amendment or termination of any Material Contract to which CFLCo or any Subsidiary of CFLCo is a party or to which CFLCo or any Subsidiary of CFLCo may become a party, unless such entering into, amendment or termination has been previously approved in a budget approved under Section 3.4.2 or 3.4.3;
Material Contract defined: "Material Contract" means (i) any contract involving a monetary commitment of CFLCo or having a value to CFLCo of $10 million or more in the aggregate and (ii) any contract which restricts CFLCo from carrying on its Business, including the contracts listed on Schedule E;
Business defined: "Business" means the business of CFLCo which shall be limited to the following purposes and objects:
(a) to produce or otherwise acquire and to transmit and to sell electricity;
(b) to harness or otherwise make use of water for the purpose of producing hydroelectric and hydraulic power and for any other purpose;
Our politicians need to all come clean. Why did HQ want the change above? - and now that they have it - what did they want it for?
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Who will be the next Premier? Do or Die Time!
There is little doubt that Dunderdale and Co. are on their way out - albeit a very long swan song. People across all walks are fed up with secrecy, arrogance, tribalism, and mismanagement. They are equally sick of the inept backbench and bumbling Ministers.
The costs to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will be astronomical and potentially crippling within a decade. Those responsible - of course - will be long gone and pensioned. Probably Florida golfing in the winter - or taking residency in another Province - for many of them dreaming of the great Senate seat to come.
They know they are leaving a mess that they will not have to deal with. They know there will be no cash and mounting debt. They know there will be an aged population - with no ability to finance the basic social needs of health and housing. They know education will suffer as fewer and fewer schools remain viable - particularly in rural communities. They also know that urban cities and regional centres will be challenged even more with the lack of affordable housing filled aging seniors homes, and crime. They know the population will continue to decline and numbers of children will be way down as we lose our brightest from this and the next generation to jurisdictions with vision. They count on the inevitable province of Atlantica to ease the mourning Newfoundlanders - shattered by the loss of their beloved Island. They know that Labrador - the resource mecca - will either partner with their geographical mate Quebec or sit as a new Territory. They also believe it will not grow much unless that partnership is with Quebec - and thereby ensuring some resource wealth will actually be used in the Big Land.
I say "they" and I mean those with the real political power - the puppeteers - the ones who are not overly evident in day to day commentary, news, or the House of Assembly. They are the ones who pull "saviours" out of their hat - for the weary voters to "believe" in. They are the corporate elite who find democracy to be a hindrance however more civil than the dictatorship they long for. They are the ones with no political ideology rather an ideology based on finance - their own to be exact - and control of crown asset wealth. They are the ones who can trigger responses in politicians by having a cup of coffee with them, or a round of golf, or in most cases patting them on the head and telling them they are doing well. They are the ones who creep their way into the bureaucracy of governments - so they can guide their intellectually lazy political masters - in a direction that suits their real agendas. Every now and then one of "they" gets caught and some end up in jail - despite the throngs of underlings willing to cover or do time for them.
So what are we left with? Well unless something very drastic happens to our political system or somebody - who is not able to be bought or manipulated - accidentally wins a leadership and then government - we are stuck with the misfortune above.
Getting Newfoundland and Labrador back on the right track is going to take a lot of doing and the decisions are tough. It is going to take a backbone of steel to take the necessary actions. The next Premier would have to be able to say no to fish pirates, Ottawa, mining wannabes, oil companies, and individuals like Danny Williams, Ches Penney, Brian Tobin, Dean MacDonald and their ilk. The new Premier would have to use his/her vision to represent the electorate and have Mandela like integrity - to save this place.
The new Premier has to smarten-up the population and be exhilarated by public education and intelligent debate. The new Premier has to believe that smart people don't only reside in one Party but reside across the political spectrum. The new Premier must be confident enough that others may duly criticize and from that grow a more enlightened understanding. The new Premier must serve the people and Newfoundland and Labrador - not the multitudes of outstretched Party hands seeking their interests above all others.
The new Premier must return the ownership of information back to the people and believe that by doing that may bring opposition but in the end lead to right choices. The new Premier must lead by taking knowledge by the horns and understand when the bureaucracy has been infiltrated by special interests "they". The new Premier must encourage knowledge and understanding of policies, legislation, and contracts.
The new Premier must believe in and practice true democracy. The doors of his/her office are as open to one ordinary citizen as they are to the corporate elite (they) and Party players. The new Premier must insure integrity within our systems of advocacy and not seek the unnecessary protection of their office. The new Premier must believe in the freedom of the press, access to information, and the shareholders rights in a Crown Corporation. The new Premier should seek to uphold all democratic procedures both in the House of Assembly and the Elections process.
The new Premier must be willing to serve his/her Province first - not seek to make nice with a federal Party or other Provinces. The new Premier must be willing to turn his/her back on issues of save Canada, Ontario, Nova Scotia etc. - there is already a federal system for that. If by chance a development in our province benefits others as well - fair enough but the new Premier must seek the best deal for us.
The new Premier must respect the people and believe that he/she is working for them not the other way around. The new Premier must understand that he/she is spending our money and bartering our resources and not use these both as if he/she is doing us a favour. The new Premier must celebrate successes with the people - all the people - and be willing to take significant responsibility for costly errors made with the peoples money or resources.
Many people in politics come in for all the right reasons and before long succumb to partisanship, party brass, one political party whip or another. Many politicians start by feeling humble and end up hiding behind the sullied apron of an arrogant "leader". Many people get into politics because it's the best gig they will ever have and the time is right under a guaranteed win. These individuals will do and say whatever is necessary to keep such an undeserved windfall and chase the Cabinet carrot around the room until dizzy. There are others who get into politics through encouragement of Party brass - praising them as necessary to place another puppet onto their stage of manipulation.
If you really have it - if you really can serve, lead, and are out of manipulative reach - you should apply. Will the rest of you please leave?
1. Do you have the strength to stop this Muskrat deal?
2. Do you have the strength to employ the brightest of the bright without partisan filters?
3. Will you truly seek to strengthen the lives of our most vulnerable?
4. Will you conduct yourself through independent education, investigation, and thought?
5. Will you strip the bureaucracy of industrial insiders, resume distributors, and partisan nitwits?
6. Will you release information to the people without nonsense of "proprietary" interest?
7. Will you recognize all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as shareholders of our crown assets?
8. Will you be the designer not copier of legislative templates?
9. Will you really maximize value of resource development for the people?
10. Will you recognize that native resources such as water, energy, forests, and minerals are stationary and therefore - those wanting to exploit them will pay maximum value?
11. Will you really be the CEO of our wealth and maximize profits for the shareholders - regardless that the shareholders are all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians?
12. Will you promise to deliver services from our revenues that are reflective of what the people want to spend their money on?
13. Will you seek to employ the best candidates for any position regardless of their perceived political leanings?
14. Will you truly consult with the people before making budgetary choices?
15. Will you protect democracy from those who wish to dismantle it?
16. Will you protect the integrity of our electoral system?
17. Will you take charge of the fishery and do what in necessary to offset the failure of Confederation regarding this wild resource?
18. Will you develop rural Newfoundland and Labrador through tourism, infrastructure, industry, and population?
19. Will you - in good faith - deal with pensioners, the public service, health professionals, educators, police, firefighters, correctional officers, safety officials, sheriffs and judicial staff, and Newfoundland and Labrador businesses?
20. Will you seek advice within your province when at all possible and not rely on "experts" who will deliver your desired outcome?
21. Will you give every Newfoundland and Labrador family an acre of Crown Land?
22. Will you give taxation breaks, grants, loans, and infrastructure to small local companies in the same manner you will to outside large corporate interests?
23. Will you end poverty for children and families? Will you protect children from abuse?
24. Will you seek to strengthen our democracy by passing whistle blower legislation, recall legislation, and legislation banning corporate and union donations?
25. Will you protect the environment for future generations?
26. Will you protect the people through the establishment of necessary search and rescue assets?
27. Will you do what is necessary to protect our province from Ottawa and refuse to give up anything else?
28. Will you demand a proper equalization system and demand inclusion in all federal government trade deals?
29. Will you demand compensation for mismanagement of the fishery and demand that Canada take custodial control of the Grand Banks and Flemish Cap? Are you willing to do what comes next if they refuse?
30. Will you allow the media proper access to information? Will you tell the truth?
If you are not willing to do these things - what do you want? A job? We're not hiring!
If you are not willing to do these things - move over for those who will.
We are collapsing - right now we need a leader not a saviour.
The costs to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will be astronomical and potentially crippling within a decade. Those responsible - of course - will be long gone and pensioned. Probably Florida golfing in the winter - or taking residency in another Province - for many of them dreaming of the great Senate seat to come.
They know they are leaving a mess that they will not have to deal with. They know there will be no cash and mounting debt. They know there will be an aged population - with no ability to finance the basic social needs of health and housing. They know education will suffer as fewer and fewer schools remain viable - particularly in rural communities. They also know that urban cities and regional centres will be challenged even more with the lack of affordable housing filled aging seniors homes, and crime. They know the population will continue to decline and numbers of children will be way down as we lose our brightest from this and the next generation to jurisdictions with vision. They count on the inevitable province of Atlantica to ease the mourning Newfoundlanders - shattered by the loss of their beloved Island. They know that Labrador - the resource mecca - will either partner with their geographical mate Quebec or sit as a new Territory. They also believe it will not grow much unless that partnership is with Quebec - and thereby ensuring some resource wealth will actually be used in the Big Land.
I say "they" and I mean those with the real political power - the puppeteers - the ones who are not overly evident in day to day commentary, news, or the House of Assembly. They are the ones who pull "saviours" out of their hat - for the weary voters to "believe" in. They are the corporate elite who find democracy to be a hindrance however more civil than the dictatorship they long for. They are the ones with no political ideology rather an ideology based on finance - their own to be exact - and control of crown asset wealth. They are the ones who can trigger responses in politicians by having a cup of coffee with them, or a round of golf, or in most cases patting them on the head and telling them they are doing well. They are the ones who creep their way into the bureaucracy of governments - so they can guide their intellectually lazy political masters - in a direction that suits their real agendas. Every now and then one of "they" gets caught and some end up in jail - despite the throngs of underlings willing to cover or do time for them.
So what are we left with? Well unless something very drastic happens to our political system or somebody - who is not able to be bought or manipulated - accidentally wins a leadership and then government - we are stuck with the misfortune above.
Getting Newfoundland and Labrador back on the right track is going to take a lot of doing and the decisions are tough. It is going to take a backbone of steel to take the necessary actions. The next Premier would have to be able to say no to fish pirates, Ottawa, mining wannabes, oil companies, and individuals like Danny Williams, Ches Penney, Brian Tobin, Dean MacDonald and their ilk. The new Premier would have to use his/her vision to represent the electorate and have Mandela like integrity - to save this place.
The new Premier has to smarten-up the population and be exhilarated by public education and intelligent debate. The new Premier has to believe that smart people don't only reside in one Party but reside across the political spectrum. The new Premier must be confident enough that others may duly criticize and from that grow a more enlightened understanding. The new Premier must serve the people and Newfoundland and Labrador - not the multitudes of outstretched Party hands seeking their interests above all others.
The new Premier must return the ownership of information back to the people and believe that by doing that may bring opposition but in the end lead to right choices. The new Premier must lead by taking knowledge by the horns and understand when the bureaucracy has been infiltrated by special interests "they". The new Premier must encourage knowledge and understanding of policies, legislation, and contracts.
The new Premier must believe in and practice true democracy. The doors of his/her office are as open to one ordinary citizen as they are to the corporate elite (they) and Party players. The new Premier must insure integrity within our systems of advocacy and not seek the unnecessary protection of their office. The new Premier must believe in the freedom of the press, access to information, and the shareholders rights in a Crown Corporation. The new Premier should seek to uphold all democratic procedures both in the House of Assembly and the Elections process.
The new Premier must be willing to serve his/her Province first - not seek to make nice with a federal Party or other Provinces. The new Premier must be willing to turn his/her back on issues of save Canada, Ontario, Nova Scotia etc. - there is already a federal system for that. If by chance a development in our province benefits others as well - fair enough but the new Premier must seek the best deal for us.
The new Premier must respect the people and believe that he/she is working for them not the other way around. The new Premier must understand that he/she is spending our money and bartering our resources and not use these both as if he/she is doing us a favour. The new Premier must celebrate successes with the people - all the people - and be willing to take significant responsibility for costly errors made with the peoples money or resources.
Many people in politics come in for all the right reasons and before long succumb to partisanship, party brass, one political party whip or another. Many politicians start by feeling humble and end up hiding behind the sullied apron of an arrogant "leader". Many people get into politics because it's the best gig they will ever have and the time is right under a guaranteed win. These individuals will do and say whatever is necessary to keep such an undeserved windfall and chase the Cabinet carrot around the room until dizzy. There are others who get into politics through encouragement of Party brass - praising them as necessary to place another puppet onto their stage of manipulation.
If you really have it - if you really can serve, lead, and are out of manipulative reach - you should apply. Will the rest of you please leave?
1. Do you have the strength to stop this Muskrat deal?
2. Do you have the strength to employ the brightest of the bright without partisan filters?
3. Will you truly seek to strengthen the lives of our most vulnerable?
4. Will you conduct yourself through independent education, investigation, and thought?
5. Will you strip the bureaucracy of industrial insiders, resume distributors, and partisan nitwits?
6. Will you release information to the people without nonsense of "proprietary" interest?
7. Will you recognize all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as shareholders of our crown assets?
8. Will you be the designer not copier of legislative templates?
9. Will you really maximize value of resource development for the people?
10. Will you recognize that native resources such as water, energy, forests, and minerals are stationary and therefore - those wanting to exploit them will pay maximum value?
11. Will you really be the CEO of our wealth and maximize profits for the shareholders - regardless that the shareholders are all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians?
12. Will you promise to deliver services from our revenues that are reflective of what the people want to spend their money on?
13. Will you seek to employ the best candidates for any position regardless of their perceived political leanings?
14. Will you truly consult with the people before making budgetary choices?
15. Will you protect democracy from those who wish to dismantle it?
16. Will you protect the integrity of our electoral system?
17. Will you take charge of the fishery and do what in necessary to offset the failure of Confederation regarding this wild resource?
18. Will you develop rural Newfoundland and Labrador through tourism, infrastructure, industry, and population?
19. Will you - in good faith - deal with pensioners, the public service, health professionals, educators, police, firefighters, correctional officers, safety officials, sheriffs and judicial staff, and Newfoundland and Labrador businesses?
20. Will you seek advice within your province when at all possible and not rely on "experts" who will deliver your desired outcome?
21. Will you give every Newfoundland and Labrador family an acre of Crown Land?
22. Will you give taxation breaks, grants, loans, and infrastructure to small local companies in the same manner you will to outside large corporate interests?
23. Will you end poverty for children and families? Will you protect children from abuse?
24. Will you seek to strengthen our democracy by passing whistle blower legislation, recall legislation, and legislation banning corporate and union donations?
25. Will you protect the environment for future generations?
26. Will you protect the people through the establishment of necessary search and rescue assets?
27. Will you do what is necessary to protect our province from Ottawa and refuse to give up anything else?
28. Will you demand a proper equalization system and demand inclusion in all federal government trade deals?
29. Will you demand compensation for mismanagement of the fishery and demand that Canada take custodial control of the Grand Banks and Flemish Cap? Are you willing to do what comes next if they refuse?
30. Will you allow the media proper access to information? Will you tell the truth?
If you are not willing to do these things - what do you want? A job? We're not hiring!
If you are not willing to do these things - move over for those who will.
We are collapsing - right now we need a leader not a saviour.
Sunday, May 05, 2013
Rural Broadband Initiative expanded - how about the bundles?
The people of St. John's Metro and larger regional centres are inundated with bundles.
How does one get a bundle if they use one company for telephone and then need another for highspeed?
What about those who want the Aliant connection as they have always had for their telephone - however Aliant only has dialup in the area?
Rural initiatives? Forced choice? Surely it is not equal access right?
Danny, Dean, and Brian Flip this Utility.
Still is a "Solid Gold" idea - right?
Make it expensive, make it confusing, make it political, make the system unstable.
Somebody is getting rich and you are paying the tab.
How does one get a bundle if they use one company for telephone and then need another for highspeed?
What about those who want the Aliant connection as they have always had for their telephone - however Aliant only has dialup in the area?
Rural initiatives? Forced choice? Surely it is not equal access right?
Danny, Dean, and Brian Flip this Utility.
Still is a "Solid Gold" idea - right?
Make it expensive, make it confusing, make it political, make the system unstable.
Somebody is getting rich and you are paying the tab.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Blue Glare and Cover-ups
The Confederation building is presenting itself these days as a reflection of the current government.
There's the blue glare from the new glass - precisely the look one gets when one criticizes the government. What's not a blue glare is shrouded, covered up, or tarped. Certainly a reflection of Bill 29 and the rest of the information you and I can't see as the taxpayers and citizens of the province.
First of all the building could have been reno'd keeping the same style and colours but - no - that sense of importance has been wiped clean.
This business of companies cutting deals with government and crown corps like Nalcor - in a shroud of secrecy is unacceptable.
We are the shareholders, taxpayers, citizens - if you want to use our money then all information is on the table. Open and transparent! Stop allowing this "commercial sensitivity" excuse for not telling us the things we are entitled to know. Nobody is asking for their financial statements online - however a publicly traded company info is available. Do not confuse "commercial sensitivity" with "political sensitivity".
The hiding of this $90 million will not cut it. By the way backbenchers - who do you think you are? You think it's okay to keep information from the people who employ you?
It's time for MHA's to do what they are paid to do - represent the people. Don't tell us what we need or want - listen to what we need and want. Do not delude yourselves - like an overbearing adult - into thinking you know what's best for us. If that's your thought process then we need to do a more thorough screening before we vote.
How about like other corporate executive jobs which entail handling billions of dollars - do a drug test, submit to a polygraph and demonstrate your IQ.
It's time we put an end to the blue glare and cover-ups.
There's the blue glare from the new glass - precisely the look one gets when one criticizes the government. What's not a blue glare is shrouded, covered up, or tarped. Certainly a reflection of Bill 29 and the rest of the information you and I can't see as the taxpayers and citizens of the province.
First of all the building could have been reno'd keeping the same style and colours but - no - that sense of importance has been wiped clean.
This business of companies cutting deals with government and crown corps like Nalcor - in a shroud of secrecy is unacceptable.
We are the shareholders, taxpayers, citizens - if you want to use our money then all information is on the table. Open and transparent! Stop allowing this "commercial sensitivity" excuse for not telling us the things we are entitled to know. Nobody is asking for their financial statements online - however a publicly traded company info is available. Do not confuse "commercial sensitivity" with "political sensitivity".
The hiding of this $90 million will not cut it. By the way backbenchers - who do you think you are? You think it's okay to keep information from the people who employ you?
It's time for MHA's to do what they are paid to do - represent the people. Don't tell us what we need or want - listen to what we need and want. Do not delude yourselves - like an overbearing adult - into thinking you know what's best for us. If that's your thought process then we need to do a more thorough screening before we vote.
How about like other corporate executive jobs which entail handling billions of dollars - do a drug test, submit to a polygraph and demonstrate your IQ.
It's time we put an end to the blue glare and cover-ups.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Politicians are Seals We are Cod - Extinct?
What's happening with the land that used to be the Salmonier Prison Camp?
How does anybody get an acre of land in the St. John's metro for $300 an acre?
How does somebody get ownership of a river or the power it produces?
How does one miraculously get a time record setting land use change at City Hall?
How does one move so smoothly from a top public service or elected position to a corporation seeking things from the government?
How does one get to cheat and break the Elections Act and then immediately run again for office?
How do corporations that violate the Elections Act waltz around continuing to operate without punishment?
How do heads of these same corporations not suffer legal consequences for breaches of the law?
How do fish corporations in Newfoundland and Labrador continue to get permission to offload raw resources for their profitability while causing loss of jobs in the jurisdiction they harvest the resources from?
Where is all our money?
Why is the Auditor General's report not followed completely?
Why are political party bag men allowed to hold publicly paid positions - resign from them to politic - then return to those same highly paid positions?
Why indeed!
Why is Nalcor permitted to fund charities - then celebrate itself - like it's a private corporation?
What questions do you have?
How does a young man die on the ice - and no Inquiry, though needed, is called?
My stomach is still turning - I still have sleepless nights - they are still gutting us.
How does anybody get an acre of land in the St. John's metro for $300 an acre?
How does somebody get ownership of a river or the power it produces?
How does one miraculously get a time record setting land use change at City Hall?
How does one move so smoothly from a top public service or elected position to a corporation seeking things from the government?
How does one get to cheat and break the Elections Act and then immediately run again for office?
How do corporations that violate the Elections Act waltz around continuing to operate without punishment?
How do heads of these same corporations not suffer legal consequences for breaches of the law?
How do fish corporations in Newfoundland and Labrador continue to get permission to offload raw resources for their profitability while causing loss of jobs in the jurisdiction they harvest the resources from?
Where is all our money?
Why is the Auditor General's report not followed completely?
Why are political party bag men allowed to hold publicly paid positions - resign from them to politic - then return to those same highly paid positions?
Why indeed!
Why is Nalcor permitted to fund charities - then celebrate itself - like it's a private corporation?
What questions do you have?
How does a young man die on the ice - and no Inquiry, though needed, is called?
My stomach is still turning - I still have sleepless nights - they are still gutting us.
Thursday, November 01, 2012
The Sun has FINALLY Shone on Muskrat Falls
Now we are talking. When did this become such a
notion for our sitting Tories and retired Chief?
The big revelation! The mines need the power. Alderon
needs the power.
Here we were humming along - chatting with Quebec -
talking Lower Churchill - then - as if from nowhere - OMG - we are running out
of power. We will need to put bricks in our beds in order to stay warm.
A new fight with Quebec. Negotiations are off the table
- go away - pull out the flag - fly it - use it - "we don't like
Quebec" remember - they say - remember the Upper Churchill. It's their
entire fault - they are unreasonable so we will go around them. Watch us - lace
up the skates - off with the gloves.
Then we got a deal - we will avoid Quebec - keep the
bricks from our bed - and green up Canada and the northeast USA.
Deal announced - Premier gone, Bureaucrat gone, Nalcor
executive gone, - where?
Well after an "acceptable" period of
absence - to the open arms of Alderon. Who? Alderon - who claim they better get
power or their materially damaged.
Slowly but painfully surely we reached today - the
day when we are told the mines need the power.
Now it's all okay - the massive debt, empty consumer
pockets, and hospitals - roads - potable water - - schools can all take a hit because
we are spending on power for the mines.
What's the deal now?
Well if we were told the mines needed it in the
first place - which has been known for some time - then we would demand
something in return for favourable power rates and access to the raw
resources.
Example - if INCO wanted the ore - we want -
long-term jobs, post-secondary processing, research dollars, and investments in
community infrastructure. That was just to do what these mining companies in
Labrador want to do and that's extract and export raw resources.
Have a look at Hansard and count how many times
Opposition Tories demanded that these things not only occur but be cast in
stone.
Oh let me remember now - smelting, secondary
processing, long-term jobs for the ore. Go have a look at yourself - refresh
your memory because now the time has come for the Tories to deliver the
same.
Count how many times a PC MHA said smelter and
refining of our precious natural resources - how many times they explained
NO MORE GIVEAWAYS.
Now the ball is directly in their court - they
control the playing field and companies want to extract ore from Labrador.
1. If you want special finance rates for power -
become involved in the financing of the project.
2. Deliver secondary processing of every ounce of
ore you extract.
3. Provide research and development funds, and
improve upon what INCO started with commitment to secondary education.
4. For every mine being talked about today by the
Minister and Premier - deliver a special debate in the House of Assembly on
every deal to develop ore bodies so we can get a look at what they are
offering.
The shoes are on your feet now - let's see you walk
the talk.
The game changer was announced today and now there
should be full media attention and exposure to what each of these mining companies
will be doing for us.
Right now what I see is we - the owners of the power
resource - pay for the production, transmission, and distribution of power from
Muskrat so that mining companies can get a reduced rate to send our ore to
China for processing.
Was the back door approach used? Let us now
proceed with the real debate.
Do not let one new MW be constructed until we have a
referendum on the project and a full and complete debate in the House of
Assembly on every deal to extract ore.
Remember the Tory Position
Remember a few short years ago.
MR. WILLIAMS: Thank you,
Mr. Speaker.
The real torpedo in the
bow of this government's scam and sham was when Scott Hand came out and said
that they were going to keep the smelters in Sudbury and in Thompson productive
and competitive for a long, long time. That was it. That was the fatal blow,
because then the jig was up. Then the people of Newfoundland and Labrador
finally found out what the real deal was; and the real deal was that our ore,
our concentrate, our nickel, our whatever, was going to leave this Province and
keep Sudbury and Thompson going for a long period of time. To add, Mr. Speaker,
300 new jobs are going to be created in Sudbury this year. To add to that, Mr.
Speaker, the Mayor of Thompson, Manitoba, is breaking champagne and the people
are dancing in the streets because they are going to have our jobs. That is
simply wrong.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear,
hear!
MR. WILLIAMS:
What about
us, Mr. Speaker? What about Newfoundland and Labrador? What about the jobs
here, Mr. Speaker? That is what we need to concentrate on, not 300 jobs in
Sudbury, not 1,000 jobs in Thompson.
Let's go through out-migration,
Mr. Speaker. Let's talk about what has happened in our communities in the last
five years when 40,000 people have left our Province. Let's look at the
percentages over the last five years. In Portugal Cove South, 21.4 per cent of
the people have left. In St. Shotts, 31 per cent of the people have left. In
Aquaforte, 22.7 per cent of the people have left. In Peter's River, St.
Vincent's, St. Stephens, 24.3 per cent of the people have left our Province. In
Gaskiers, 21.5 per cent.
I am going to continue on,
Mr. Speaker. I know it is difficult for hon. members opposite, but we are going
to go through some of this list. In Sunnyside, 23.2 per cent of the people have
left. In Heart's Desire, 25.3 per cent. In Cupids, 13 per cent. In Ricketts,13
per cent. In Lawn,18.6 per cent. In Lamaline, 21.4 per cent. In Fox Cove, Bay
L'Argent, Grand Le Pierre: 14 per cent, 15 per cent and 10 per cent. In
Rushoon, 18 per cent of the people have left our Province. In Gaultois, 24.1
per cent in the last five years have left Newfoundland and Labrador. In
Milltown, 21.4 per cent. In Morrisville, 22 percent. In Ramea, 30 per cent of
the people, one third of the people of Ramea, have had to leave our Province
and this government is going to send jobs to Sudbury and Thompson, Manitoba.
Shame on all of you!
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear,
hear!
MR. WILLIAMS: I will
continue, Mr. Speaker.
In Cape St. George, 15.4
per cent. In Lourdes, 14.2 per cent. In Port au Port West, Aguathuna, 15.2 per
cent. In Jackson's Arm, 10.6 per cent. In Howley, 19.3 per cent. In Hampden,
16.4 per cent. In Norris Arm, 16.3 per cent. In Little Catalina, 16.2 per cent.
In Elliston, Catalina and Bonavista, 21.9 per cent, 13 per cent and 11 per cent
have left in those communities. In Traytown, 18.3 per cent have left. In Happy
Adventure, 14 per cent. In St. Brendan's, 21.8 per cent. In Melrose, 13.7 per
cent. In Carmanville, 12.6 per cent. In Fogo, 18.2 per cent. In Change Islands,
21.7 per cent. If I may, Mr. Speaker, I will continue. In Summerford,
Twillingate and Campbellton, 11.2 per cent, 11.6 per cent and 12 per cent have
left these three communities.
MR. WILLIAMS
Thank
you, Mr. Speaker
I thank the hon. the Premier for indicating that
there, in fact, will be no conventional smelter. That promise has been broken.
In fact, he has also confirmed that there may not be a hydromet. So, there is
no guarantee of a smelter and there is no guarantee of a hydromet facility.
Mr. Speaker, can the Premier please confirm, in the
event that the experimental hydromet facility does not prove to be
economically, technically or commercially feasible, that this Province will not
receive a Conventional smelting facility, which I am certain
that he has, and he has already done so, as was promised and guaranteed by both
the Premier and the Minister of Mines and Energy, but instead may, not will -
may, and may only - receive a nickel matte refinery or some other facility,
which is referred to in the documentation as some other facility? It doesn't
specify what it is. It is some other facility, as stated in clause 22. Will the
Premier, in fact, confirm that particular facility is also not guaranteed?
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