The EXperts - Muskrat Falls

Since 2006 Sue's Blog has been warning through posts about the disastrous Muskrat Falls project.

Bits and pieces of the Inquiry refer to critics of the project - not being experts.

Let's take that at face value and reflect upon the experts.

Clearly the highly paid experts were wrong in many areas of assessment. Clearly they failed initially to project and overcome engineering and design difficulties regarding the site. Clearly the project is a failure on every measurable level.

Miraculously the non-experts were right in many areas of assessment. Miraculously the non-experts did not miss the peculiarities of the site engineering. Miraculously they were successful in assessing the Muskrat Falls deal was horrific.

Now the other non-experts (politicians) were clearly incapable of understanding what the experts were concluding. They were clearly unable to see the massive flaws in the deal and the engineering. They were clearly non-experts listening to paid experts -most of whom will not likely suffer from this boondoggle.

For what use is an expert - if the person acting on an "experts" advice would not be independently be able to see the potential flaws? What's worse - the politicians refused to listen to critics - ignored or worse subjected the non-experts to terms such as partisans, naysayers, and conspiracy theorists.

There were opportunities to engage the citizenry but they were not afforded.

Citizen groups should have been provided funding throughout the processes from conception to sanction. This funding could have provided the non-expert politicians with real concerns, real hazards, and real findings from the non-expert citizenry.

Further this size of a deal should have gone through a referendum process where - the citizen non-experts were given the opportunity to promote and educate regarding their points of view and real concerns.

You see if the non-expert politicians felt expert enough to make the legislative commitment - they should have allowed the non-expert citizenry a real opportunity to be heard.

None of the politicians did this. No political party did this.

Declining population, increasing efficiencies in housing and appliances, closure of two mills, numerous fish plants, schools, clinics etc are examples of reasonable considerations to determine future power supply requirements.

Muskrat Falls versus the entire Lower Churchill or even Gull Island begged the question why choose Muskrat.

Emera owning ANY part of our domestic distribution system is illogical and not to our benefit. It will increase prices.

Dealing with Emera - a company that could be the subject of a hostile or welcome takeover - particularly when Hydro-Quebec is the touted enemy - and could easily consume Emera minus Nova Scotia Power - was a poor choice.

The critical removal of alternate energy sources into the future was naive at best and corrupt at worst.

The engineering challenges - poorly thought out, considered, or even dealt with was another red flag for a layman.

The power needs of Labrador - routinely and as is usual dismissed including but not limited to plugging an industry of substance into the new supply - another red flag.

The continued interference with the Public Utilities Board - when they are the stop gap for consumers - yet another red flag.

Budgets that were routinely over - became the norm - raising another red flag.

The lack of knowledge of many MHA's regarding the history of the hydro-potentials in Labrador was and continues to be a very disturbing situation.

The obvious angst of indigenous peoples despite the approval by some of their leaders should have been addressed.

This is but a short list of how a citizen could have been and some citizens were very concerned about this failed project.

The decision by Dwight Ball and the Liberal government to push through the remainder of the project without thorough analysis and public input into other options - just continued the madness that is Muskrat.

The Inquiry is a political decision to thwart anger of consumers and taxpayers away from the current government and will do nothing to demonstrate the mess that occurred after they took office.

The EXperts they say? Funny how the naysayers, conspiracy theorists, partisan hacks, and all other names given to critics of the project - were miraculously right.

As I write today the folly continues and we are made to look more the fools than we already are.

Post construction hangovers - Muskrat

Newfoundland and Labrador must have the worst record in the developed world for natural resource projects.

As Labrador rises up - rightfully so - against the poisoning of their people - the Island population is in its usual temporary jobs trance.

Premier after Premier in our history promised new wealth and growth through commitments of change in the development of our resources.

Always with the exception of one - we have been let down - robbed - and depressed as these commitments disappeared.

Each and every time the lure of quick and temporary jobs tempers the outcry of the public that we've given something else away.

Can we actually claim that jobs created during the construction of the Upper Churchill were in any way compensatory for the billions of dollars of lost revenue? As we charge Hydro Quebec 1/5th of a cent per kilowatt hour and they sell it at 100 times that - can we really celebrate the construction jobs?

We have done the same with minerals, oil, fish, and forestry.

The mourning of the Upper Churchill contract has been longstanding. There is no way we would ever let that happen again right? We swore - it would never happen again.

Now it has. The Muskrat Falls project is worse than the Upper Churchill - we will pay for this project - our children and grandchildren will pay for this project. Unlike the Upper - this project is over budget - unsafe and unnecessary.

Only yesterday I seen stories of people complaining about being off the job because Labradorians have the gall to demand a reduction in the poisonous aftermath of the flooding.

There is no justification to keep this going.

Here's what we have:

Danny Williams says great deal - many people say not so fast but were ignored by the media and called traitors, conspiracy theorists and naysayers by the politicians.

Williams leaves and then Dunderdale's job is to keep it moving no matter what. Many people were crying stop and warning the population that this project was bad and should be stopped.

The PC's Liberals and NDP allowed the project to keep going.

The PC's delayed the election to allow more money to be spent while the Liberals and NDP permitted the Tories to get away with it.

The media still not tuned in. Continue to ignore the many voices warning the people that this project would cause irreparable harm.

People were once again lured with well paying construction jobs for short-term personal gain - while these very employees were subjecting their own children and grandchildren to years of financial pain and continue to do so.

The unions did their special interest bidding and completely ignored the damage to the province as a whole. One group of unions would of course cause problems for another set of unions as the province would have to lay-off CUPE and NAPE members and have no money for teachers or nurses.

Labour spokespeople like Lana Payne encouraging the development and making sure the NDP followed suit.

This project needs to be stopped. We must have a complete resolve to the Northern Spur and we must know what the costs are to stop the project. This is not-withstanding the issues Labrador faces with environmental costs.

We need a referendum on this - and we need it now.

Where's the leadership?

Where is the commitment of all our people that we would never ever again let the Upper Churchill happen again?

We are letting yet another 3 generations down - as we bankrupt their future and allow corporate interests rob our resources.

VOCM apology to Innu people - Sincere? or...

The headline in the Telegram says it all - or does it?

Steele Communications apologizes on air for behavior of radio host

VOCM - it's parent company, Steele Communications, Randy Simms, and general manager Mike Murphy have all publicly apologized to Simeon Tshakapesh and the Innu people for remarks made by Openline Host Randy Simms.

Obviously an apology was deserved and the man behind the mic should be watched carefully - however was the apology sincere?

Randy Simms and Paddy Daley have oft in the past allowed or made comments on air that were false, misleading, offensive, and personally damaging - yet they continued on - no apology - no retraction. In fact - they usually justify by saying that some private citizens are not private because they call a talk show. This apparently justification for using their power behind the mic for whatever reason they choose.

The difference is they will not apologize to women, particularly to a woman they have always felt comfortable attacking - probably with the government's blessing.

Refresh your memory click HERE  or  HERE  or  HERE

I am not the only one that VOCM, Steele Communications, Newfoundland Capital Corporation, Randy and Paddy allow to be slandered - there are many more.

The difference right now is that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the multi-millionaires, and certain business interests need the Innu people to work with them. This I'm sure VOCM will assist in when they can. The government does not need me or many other citizens of this province and would prefer if we would just go away. The public attack on people such as myself assists the government in their efforts to avoid critique, tough questions, and opposition to ill-fated policy positions.

In my opinion this apology to the Innu people was necessary not sincere. The truth is always in the facts somewhere - we just have to open our eyes and look.

Shawn Skinner -The Minister without his Own Clue - Legacy of Shame

So Shawn Skinner has finally given us the answers to our questions on the Lower Churchill fiasco. The officials who have been keeping the lights on for years told him.

I hope I don't alarm the Minister this morning - but the same officials he has been relying on also predicted we would run out of power by the 1980's 1990's and for sure by 2000. Guess what Minister - they were wrong.

The Minister says or the officials told him to say that we are growing in the commercial and residential sectors. I have a few questions:

The population is not growing - it is moving. So where are they anticipating the growth?

Industries are disappearing almost monthly - so where is the industrial growth?

Appliances and electronic equipment are becoming more - not less - efficient so where are those power savings?

As usual - when the price of oil is up at all people are converting to electric heat. How much of that is Skinner putting in his numbers and passing off as growth?

If industrial growth is your objective - why are you exporting power and subsidizing it for the Maritimes and elsewhere instead of using it to attract industry in Labrador - where the transmission costs would be minimal?

How is it Minister Skinner that jurisdictions surrounding Labrador to the West, East, North and South can all attract industry with hydropower - yet this - "the best hydropower potential left" in North America can't draw any interest?

You get industry in Quebec, Iceland, Greenland, Russia, Norway, and the USA but none for Labrador. Why?

Have you read all the hydro reports on energy needs dating back to the 1970's? What did you find out?

The same officials also advised government to sell Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro - that was going to be a great move also.

The people that keep our lights on also include Fortis as a major distributor. What have you asked those officials?

If Hydro-Quebec ever gets its hands on any part of Emera what does that mean for us?

If you are getting a loan guarantee from the feds - who legislatively for years were to be our "partner" on such a development. Why do you need Emera?

And by the way Minister - I was about 10 when the power flowed from the Upper Churchill development and clearly have been injured by such a bad deal. My children will continue to be injured as will their children. What compensation will be offered to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for this egregious error? My children and theirs will also pay for the mistake made by politicians in the past who injured aboriginal peoples. How do you square that circle?

I know one thing for certain - that this deal - as bad if not worse than the Upper Churchill - being done this time by you Minister Skinner and not Joseph R - will be another loss for generations to come - and when that happens you like Smallwood, Rowe, Crosbie and the rest will lower your head and duck. You have no right to be flippant by telling me or any other Newfoundlander and Labradorian - that officials made you do it.

Williams speaks on Lower Churchill - the Message is not good for Dunderdale

So Danny has spoken about hydro power - this time while receiving the Modern Makers of Canada award - from the Institute on Governance.

In his speech to a crowd which included John Baird and Peter Penashue - Williams managed to confuse the Lower Churchill issue for replacement Premier Dunderdale.

While Williams commended the feds for the promise of a loan guarantee - he condemned them for being Centrist and bowing to Quebec.

Here's where it gets confusing:

Quote from Williams last night in Ottawa at the event:

"(The) east-west electricity grid is so important but Quebec is trying to block that because it is not in their best interest. But at the end of the day, it is in all our best interest because not only can we tap the hydro, we can tap the wind and other potential" 

Williams speech focused on federal leadership needed to ensure smaller regions Canada are treated better.

Williams wants an east-west corridor through Quebec for hydro and wind potential - and he wants Ottawa to force the decision. He says this at the same time Dunderdale proposes to put us heavily in debt to go around Quebec. Although Williams signed the Term Sheet with Emera, Wikileaks has already exposed that even Emera thought they were possibly being used by Williams to force the Quebec issue on transmission access.

Williams left and we don't know why - particularly so soon after signing the Term Sheet and before seeing it through. Now he is basically begging for a corridor through Quebec in order to achieve proper development of hydro and wind resources in Labrador and the North generally.

Dunderdale - must be missing the point or did not get the full picture. Further the Premier does not know what she is doing with this resource deal and legacy of shame. The question is - will Williams tell us the truth on the whole situation?

The Emera deal must be stopped - there is no choice.

Read more in the Vancouver Sun

Penashue - no comment on the speech!

And so the smell of Muskrat continues...The Perfect Storm for the next Giveaway

I hardly got the words off the keyboard regarding Penashue's position on the budget - when I read at the CBC website the "New Dawn" agreement between the Innu and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador - is now scheduled for a ratification vote.

Surprise - Surprise - So the deal sits there for almost three years - and now the vote is scheduled? Clearing Lower Churchill hurdles to assist Ms. Dunderdale in pushing the Muskrat deal through. This at the same time as Penashue supports Harper - so he can shove through a loan guarantee for the project - that sees everybody benefit but the people of Newfoundland and Labrador?

1. Kathy announces new love for Harper (drops ABC Campaign)

2. Harper quasi promises the loan guarantee for the Lower Churchill

3. Penashue runs and "wins" Labrador seat

4. Harper names Penashue Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

So Todd Russell, Metis, loses - everybody is shocked. Peter Penashue, Innu - everybody is shocked.

Harper now has ally for Old Harry to be awarded to Quebec. Romaine River will remain unchallenged. Metis will be blocked from Lower Churchill deal. Kathy Dunderdale hastily moves forward on deal ignoring the people of Newfoundland and Labrador while ignoring her position that an unelected Premier sign a major resource deal. The New Dawn deal suddenly comes up for ratification clearing another hurdle for Muskrat development. Harper gives loan guarantee which satisifies Nova Scotia and Peter MacKay.

The New Dawn - will not only see the Innu benefit from a development - they have been so opposed to (loss of land and habitat) - and further will see you and I pay the Innu compensation for the Upper Churchill.

Dunderdale drunk on power and fuelled by ignorance has no interest whatsoever in the people she serves - moves forward despite significant reservations of people who understand the development and proposed deal. Dunderdale, Skinner, Martin and Nalcor's Gil Bennett treating the resource as a privately owned property.

This is the Perfect Storm for a very bad outcome. Please review the series of events - and while a "New Dawn" might be enjoyed by the Innu Nation the future for our province will sink below the horizon - and be lost for generations to come.

Two questions: Has Shawn Skinner taken the kool-aid accidentally and is Tom Marshall his own man?

Penashue tows the well worn Party Line - Follows Hearn and Manning

Well at least we did not have to wait long to see if Penashue would follow Manning and Hearn - yes he did.

Penashue's comment that massive budget cuts were "painful" but "responsible" - is the Conservative line.

With cuts in the Department of Fisheries - recovery of stocks and necessary science for sustainability will be impacted. That cannot really sit well with an aboriginal leader - can it?

As a Labradorian - is Peter concerned that cuts to Defence may spell trouble for Happy Valley-Goose Bay?

The 4 billion dollars budgeted to be eliminated - will mean ramifications to essential services - and Peter supporting that - does not seem to jive.

There is a possibility though - that Peter has made a deal for his people - the Innu - and perhaps the Nation will gain direct benefits from a deal.

The Innu Nation claims to protect its people from outside threats - that does include the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada. The Innu Nation has fought industrialization which impacted their traditional life and lands (Lower Churchill). This was fixed by letting the Nation in on the project.

I prefer to let the Nation speak for itself on these issues: Below are statements taken from the Innu Nation site:


...It also made it mandatory for Innu children to attend school and threatened to stop welfare and family allowance payments to families whose children did not attend class.


As a result, many Innu families had to live in the communities for most of the year, despite their concerns that doing so would threaten their migratory way of life and connection to the land.

Innu parents also felt the school curriculum taught their children more about white North American society than their own and worried younger generations were being alienated from their cultural traditions.

Compounding these concerns were a string of post-Confederation forestry, mining, and other industrial developments that occurred on Innu land, but without Innu permission.

Most dramatic among these was the Upper Churchill Falls hydroelectric project, which flooded thousands of kilometers of land in Labrador, including valuable caribou habitat and Innu burial grounds. Although the Innu people used and depended on much of this area for centuries, the provincial government did not consult them before damming the Churchill River.

I do not believe the cuts will impact the Innu Nation or Peter's people - it will however continue to hurt Newfoundland and Labrador. This will be very interesting - and educational.

Money begets your government! Harper chops away at Democracy and the Truth

So Harper, surprise surprise - is going to end party subsidies. That is the $2 annually each federal party receives per vote from the previous election.

So who gets to buy government now?

Let me see! We still pay tax - and none of that now will go to support open democracy with a strong competitive party system - and the ones that can afford to throw in thousands of dollars will buy and own government.

Instead of the voters having a say through tax dollars we will pay anyway - the Corporations (entities which cannot vote) will buy elections and politicians. I thought we had enough of that!

What an absolute disaster this government will be for Canada. Now the lobby has begun to eliminate the CBC - they might have thought about that program "power and politics" a little deeper.

The CBC and media - other than a few like Terry Milewski - cowered in front of the dictator that said "I will only answer 5 questions a day", the same man who is already passing the media off to spokespeople - that we the taxpayer generously employ.

The man who says only an elected Senate will do and then promptly appoints failed Conservative candidates. A man who made vows on Income Trusts, the federal-provincial fiscal arrangements act (equalization), and on custodial management of our offshore - lies again.

This man who does not believe in our democratic system and believes that coalitions should be outlawed - while liars like Bev Oda are returned to Cabinet.

The man who eliminates people from his caucus by reason of association - ignores of freedoms and rights - now eliminates people from the election formula.

The man who has secrets about secrets and employs people who employ people who are questionable at best.

Good Luck - Canada - you're gonna need it.

Newfoundland and Labrador should just leave - before this Atlantic Canadian hater - finishes us off.

And on the Peter Penashue appointment - this man is an Innu Leader - first mistake was his allegiance to the Queen - and now this left leaning Liberal is going to support massive cuts? Presumably not to aboriginal groups. Does Peter believe in government subsidies, universal health care and the fair treatment of people. We are about to find out how this odd couple get on.

While we are at it - let's see how Conservative Kathy Dunderdale and crew are. Williams did say he was a dangerous man right?

What a Tragic Day for Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and Democracy

Where do I start?

There is no doubt that Stephen Harper is a liar. There is also no doubt that he is a right wing fundamentalist. He also heads up a party that ignores election laws and rewards people who lie - with a Cabinet post.

The real problem and concern is that he is also very shrewd - he will use his intelligence not for the common good but for his own advancement and that of his secret corporate buddies.

Today as Newfoundland and Labrador witnesses the appointment of Peter Penashue to Cabinet - we should be celebrating this historic move - instead we have to ponder how cynical this actually is.

Without questioning at all the sincerity of Mr. Penashue - I absolutely am sickened by what this means for our future. I am able to hypothesize why Harper has made the move - but I am yet unable to determine if Penashue will fall for it.

Peter Penashue is now the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs - and as such may be the individual that delivers the loan guarantee for the Lower Churchill development to the province. As an Innu leader - Harper can claim that he not only gave our government what it wanted but it was done through an aboriginal person. This development - possibly the largest giveaway in our history - should be stopped not financed. Harper for his part will use Penashue to deliver cheap - green - reliable power to other provinces of importance to him. This is great news for Nova Scotia, Ontario, and perhaps other Maritime provinces or New England States - but it is devastating to us. What a clever lad our Prime Minister is - how deceptive, vindictive, and sarcastic he is.

Meanwhile back at the ranch - that Stephen Harper's surreptitious mind lives on - he has once again appointed Fabian Manning to the Senate joined by other failed Conservative candidates. Another absolute slap in the face to the people of our province who chose again NOT to elect him. Remember Harper - promising to deliver an elected Senate? Not only has he continued to renege on this - he appoints people the people have said no to.

Then the kicker - Harper finished his News Conference on the Cabinet appointments - then passes on the information on the Senate appointments and does not stick around to answer questions about it. John Baird the newly minted Minister of Foreign Affairs - also refused questions on this absolute contempt of the Canadian people.
 
For political desert - if your stomach is not already upset - Bev Oda returns to Cabinet!

For the 22% of the voting public that elected this mess - well done. For the over 70% who did not - shame on those who did not vote and the remainder of us should simply work very hard to make sure the next four years does not destroy our country and ensure this type of administration is never elected again.

Cheers to Peter MacKay - your sly and manipulative manner has surely paid off.

Award winning Journalists and the Fighting Dunderdale Government

Oh my - how do I say this politely? What a joke! Wait now let me say it again. What a joke!

Just a few days ago the CBC, and the Telegram ran stories about our award winning journalists. Topping that is Tom Marshall expressing delight that Kathy Dunderdale picked the winning horse in the Federal election - almost at a level of mind-reading genius. (more on that in next post)


With all the talent and genius in this province at the media and political level - perhaps one or all of them could show real interest in the real issues and trouble brewing around us.


Dunderdale is celebrating the potential loan guarantee for a Lower Churchill development that will be the worst resource deal in our history - should it proceed and the media is back slapping each other for the weather turmoil that unfortunately wrecked some communities and lives.


Meanwhile Hydro-Quebec carries on the plunder and the "in your face" disregard for our boundaries or our rivers. The Quebec owned utility has just published it's sustainability report for 2010 - and it demonstrates for all those willing to open their eyes - unplug their partisan ears - and open their PC mouths - that our province is being treated like dirt. We are ignored, ridiculed, and politically abused.


Please go the the following link (HERE) and notice the maps (page 2-3) before you in this 2010 report. Please note the boundaries on this official government document and please note the Romaine River which Quebec is now developing for its own use and profit.


Now try to sit there as a Newfoundlander and Labradorian or an aboriginal person and not ask yourself - are we fools? Where are the so-called award winning journalists and where are the fighting Newfoundland and Labrador politicians?


The media in our province is reporting - not investigating and they are through their own fault or that of assignment editors refusing to cover the absolute destruction of our province and its resources. The Dunderdale government says we must export power so the debate (if any) is whether or not to pump it out through Quebec or Nova Scotia. The debate should have always been about whether to export or not - and then go into the other areas of discussion.


So we are avoiding Quebec - so Kathy says and the media dutifully report - and if it costs us our future - so be it. We will win - Quebec will lose - we are advised. Not only is that not true - it gets worse when you see what Dunderdale and Cabinet are not taking on. We will lose our Labrador borders to Quebec - unless we fight to protect them. We have already conceded the Romaine River, on our way to conceding Old Harry, and the Romaine Caribou Herd. What's next? Oh our children will certainly find out as they realize that yet again inept politicians and either directed or disinterested (journalists) reporters have sold us up and down the river.


By the way where are the intellectual voices of our university professors or historians? Shame on us all!

I thought we understood "squatters rights".

And for those politicians, media, and lazy arses that continue to say - it does not matter - WE know the difference. This sustainability report IS an official government document and is viewed worldwide. It is viewed by large industrial companies and investors. Further it's a little late for the Romaine River right?

Giveaway Dunderdale Caribou Pie and wash of Churchill Water

STOP THE LOWER CHURCHILL DEAL NOW!

Okay Newfoundland and Labrador - Premier Dunderdale and responsible departmental ministers and deputies have found a way to stop the slaughter of the caribou herd in Labrador. Give the Quebec Innu  hunting rights and management rights.

Yes that's correct slaughter animals illegally to the point of endangering the herd and you too can own a piece of the caribou pie. There is one hitch if you are a Labradorian you won't get a commercial hunt as you are doing things legally.

Now in return for this the Quebec Innu might recognize some herds are endangered if the government of Newfoundland and Labrador can prove it!

Remember now part of the reason the Quebec Innu gave for the slaughter/protest was to object to the Labrador Innu getting compensation for the Lower Churchill development - will the Quebec Innu also demand compensation for the Churchill development. Stay tuned - at this rate another slaughter may prompt our government to give them half the project.

The Montreal Gazette reports the following:

...the parties have decided to look for common ground to resolve the long-standing problem and a meeting took place Wednesday in Sept Iles between seven Innu chiefs and a N.L. delegation including three deputy ministers.

Gregoire said the sides have agreed to negotiations to tackle several issues, including the co-management of the Labrador caribou herd and the hunting rights.

"There is a will on both sides to settle this dispute," Gregoire said Thursday, adding the Innu will refrain from disrupting the ongoing caribou hunt during the negotiations.

Last February, some 150 Quebec Innu went on a caribou-hunting trip in Labrador to protest a deal that gives Labrador Innu hunting rights and compensation for the hydroelectric development of the lower Churchill River.

And if you wonder what our bureaucrats are doing for you - well three of the Deputy Ministers are up negotiating with the Quebec Innu - while the same government provides nobody to speak to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador about what might turn out to be the biggest giveaway yet. 

Labrador and Alcoa We need all the facts!

Please look and understand there are so many things we as people of Newfoundland and Labrador have not been told.


PRESS HERE

Thank you to Norm in Labrador for the link.

I also call on CBC again to air the program on Lower Churchill discussions with PASNY (Power Authority State of new York) during the Peckford days.

We really need the history on this project and now that energy is even more valuable be very careful what we do with our tremendous Lower Churchill.