Quebec controls our power - Emera shareholders rejoice?

In 2011 I wrote a piece on the proposed Emera deal. The big talking point for politicians was to avoid big bad Quebec and Hydro-Quebec.

At the time I asked what protections were in place to keep Emera out of the hands of Hydro-Quebec.

Please read the earlier post HERE

The Government of  Nova Scotia may have some protections against the takeover of Nova Scotia Power (wholly owned subsidiary of Emera) however the parts of Emera important to our province have no such protection.

What has changed since 2011? Hydro-Quebec has. They have announced a new direction.

The Crown Company will back off new large scale hydro while optimizing current assets and completing those started (Romaine 3 and 4), concentrate on energy efficiency, transportation electrification, environmentally sustainable management practices and ...

Putting aside for a moment the exceptional organization, human resources, performance, and tight governmental directions for the corporation - HQ continues to plan 15-20 years out with measurable targets and results.

The ... above represents the real problem for Newfoundland and Labrador. It is the promise to double the profits and size of HQ from $13.5 billion to $27 billion.

They have formed a special new group within the company to focus on mergers and acquisitions.

Specifically their sights are set on assets in Europe, the US and the Maritimes.

Imagine if they follow through - Emera shareholders may be in for a bonanza and HQ will have us going out and in both on the Island and Labrador. Even the line that crosses at Soldiers pond may be partly owned by HQ. Imagine that!

So all the people who pushed Emera and Muskrat down our throats may be in for a big payday - if they are shareholders of Emera. In my opinion the problem with cutting a deal with HQ on the Lower Churchill was never really about avoiding Quebec it was about making sure the partner was a venue that was available for share acquisition. No direct money for the elite if Hydro-Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro cut a deal.

HQ CEO - Éric Martel says, “The idea is to increase the benefit for Quebec, to enrich Hydro-Québec and Quebec at the same time, without having to increase rates too much. So this will help us meet our engagement of maintaining rate increase to the cost of inflation, or less”.

Imagine if our leaders did the same.

A Battle to the Bottom? Muskrat Nightmare!

All - every bit - bad news for us. 

Below please read this story in the Nova Scotia Chronicle Herald (Business):

Acquiring cheaper power essential as Maritime Link costs loom Nova Scotia’s Liberal government is about to hold discussions with Quebec about the possibility of acquiring hydroelectricity.

Energy Minister Andrew Younger told me Friday the talks were supposed to happen before the start of the holiday season but conflicting schedules didn’t allow it. Instead, the tete-a-tete is to occur in the coming weeks.

“The purpose of this is to look at what import options may be available (and) if they benefit ratepayers,” Younger wrote in an email.

As mentioned in Friday’s column, Quebec Premier Pauline Marois has decided to use cheap electricity as the centrepiece of a new development strategy for her province. Before Christmas, her Parti Quebecois government announced it would be offering cut-rate electricity to new manufacturers and industrial users in exchange for job creation.

Quebec’s economy has been sputtering for the last year, and the minority PQ government has been under pressure to do something to spark an economic revival.

Observers in Nova Scotia also believe Quebec’s plan is to become aggressive before the completion of the Muskrat Falls hydro project in Newfoundland and Labrador. If Newfoundland decides to follow Quebec’s lead and use electricity as a loss leader to attract new development, it could be a battle to the bottom.

In the meantime, Nova Scotia ratepayers are paying about $1.5 billion to build the Maritime Link undersea cable to bring Muskrat Falls power to Nova Scotia in exchange for 20 per cent of the power generated there for 30 years. The issue for ratepayers here is the cost of that electricity.
The price of the Nova Scotia block of power under the Maritime Link deal, according to the province’s consumer advocate, John Merrick, is about double the current market rate. It is essential that Nova Scotia gain access to additional power from Newfoundland and Labrador at market rates, which could be blended with the higher-priced Maritime block.

The Maritime Link arrangement was not approved by the Nova Scotia regulator until there was some kind of deal securing access to the additional market-rate electricity from Newfoundland’s Crown-owned utility, Nalcor. The blending of the two rates is supposed to make the acquisition of Muskrat Falls electricity more palatable to Nova Scotia ratepayers.

The sputtering Quebec economy, along with some of its hydroelectricity being replaced with low-cost natural gas by U.S. customers, has meant Hydro-Quebec has excess capacity. Nova Scotia may be hedging its bets if it can acquire some of Hydro-Quebec’s surplus electricity.

Nova Scotia’s energy minister told me he believes Nova Scotians are protected despite Quebec’s aggressive marketing plan. Younger said in his email that the Maritime Link deal is based on the market price of electricity, and if the market price drops, it will also be reflected in the price Nova Scotians pay for the energy.

While in opposition, Younger and the Liberals encouraged the former NDP government to investigate acquiring power from Quebec as an alternative to the Newfoundland and Labrador arrangement. Now that he is in authority, Younger said he was interested when Quebec first made contact about a possible meeting to talk about electricity rates.

He said he was told by Quebec representatives that the NDP government wasn’t interested in meeting. Although there isn’t any evidence to prove the Dexter government refused, Younger said it is “interesting they never met.”

It appears Quebec wants some kind of deal, and blending the Quebec price with the Maritime Link price could have a dramatic impact on Nova Scotia power rates.

At the very least, from a Nova Scotia perspective, it is an opportunity worth exploring. But it may also ruffle the feathers of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Muskrat Chill and Dunderdale's Parkas

CBC News Newfoundland and Labrador ran a clip on their late night broadcast of Premier Kathy Dunderdale commenting on the latest CRA poll results.

The quote from Dunderdale was:

"When you take on stewardship you have to be prepared to make difficult decisions sometimes that aren't popular but it's always nice when you have support of the majority of people, we have that and I'm grateful for it."

First of all the Premier and her government do not have support of the majority of people - they are governing because in "a snapshot in time" in October the majority of people who voted supported them.

Now considering the Premier claims she does not govern based on polls - I suggest she does not use popularity as a reason.

The "difficult decisions sometimes that aren't popular" piece as Dunderdale and her colleagues would phrase it - leaves me very perplexed. The erosion of support is based on difficult and unpopular decisions?

Let's see - so the Muskrat Falls fiasco is a difficult decision that is unpopular?

Decisions on what?

Is this a confirmation that polls are taking place internally on the Emera deal and they are not showing favourably?

There is no doubt that this proposed energy project is causing a significant drop in the popularity of the Premier and her government. Now come the tough questions versus the tough decisions.

1. British Columbia forced a referendum on HST through a tool in their democracy chest and the government had to live with the consequences. The harmonized sales tax policy is similar to the Muskrat Falls development deal in that it involves changes that affect consumers on mass and revenue streams for government. Will this government allow democracy to govern and call a referendum on this deal?

2. What can be done to force a referendum on this issue?

3. Considering this one project could amass a debt load equivalent to our entire debt now - is it not appropriate for the Premier and her government to seek permission over and above a "snapshot in time" result in October?

4. Considering very significant information on this deal and financial consequences were not known at the time of the last provincial election - how does the Premier feel she has vetted the public on it?

5. Will former PC and Liberal Cabinet Ministers step to the plate as former Premier Bill Vander Zalm did in British Columbia and rally the people to demand a referendum?

The Muskrat Chill refuses to thaw and the relationship between people and the government is getting frosty. The Premier can choose to pile on parkas or warm up to the people she is "humbled" to represent.

Nova Scotians want to Nationalize Emera (NS Power)?

Remember our Power of the People?

Well now there is a Nova Scotian group called Power to the People.

They are calling on Nova Scotia Power (Emera) to be nationalized.

They have a facebook page: PRESS HERE

They have a song on youtube:

They have a website: PRESS HERE

8 Billion in debt for our children - for Power that is not needed - and a deal that will ultimately ruin our Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

Nova Scotia privatized at the same time we stopped the privatization of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. They are paying a huge price. Stop the ruination of our great company. Demand - as shareholders - that management and executive be replaced by professionals committed to us (the shareholders) not private millionaires looking for a new buck.

We stopped the privatization of NL Hydro to prevent this:

“Nova Scotia Power made $121 million in profits in 2010, while paying their executives millions. With democratic public ownership, that money would stay here in Nova Scotia and be used for public priorities, like hospitals, schools and roads”

Do not let Dunderdale/Williams doomed plan ruin the future for our children. 

Already we are seeing cuts to vital services to subsidize this fiasco.

Stop the deal - shut the GATES!

One Big Party at Our Expense - Emera/Nalcor

One day after Emera sought rate increases from customers in Nova Scotia - the Executives of Emera - partied hearty - no expense spared.

Even their Premier made the following comments as quoted by CBC - Nova Scotia

"This was a time when they should know that Nova Scotians are very concerned about the impact on their pocketbook of proposed rate increases. I don't think the timing could be any more unfortunate"

"[It] was ill advised and very poor judgment on behalf of the company."

The party was posh and for an elite group of 28 people. The party featured performances by Cape Breton comedian Maynard Morrison, the Halifax Titanic Orchestra, and the Mellotones, a popular band in Halifax.

Needless to say - Nova Scotian's are livid - some of the public commentary includes the following words to describe Emera:

1. corporate blood-suckers
2. greedy corporate elites
3. corporate Welfare Bums
4. bloated executive salaries
5. Emera and NSP....gawd they re like Tony Soprano nobody can control them
6. crime syndicate

That was part one of the story - the second part related to the NDP government allowing this behavior from the private power supplier. 

The story reveals how Premier Dexter hitched a ride with Emera's leased corporate jet - to go where? Well right here to Newfoundland and Labrador. 

The government then reimbursed $2100 to Emera for the Premier's jaunt. 

The public commentary on the NDP has been equally as damning - here are a few examples:

1. Maybe Dexter should cut Emeras budget--he didn't mind doing it to health and education 
2. This just demonstrates that the NDP is yet another corrupt party
3. We really need to get rid of Dexter as fast as we can
4. Dexter has the gloves off now --stand back -- Emera wins in a knockout
5. What a joke this government has become
6. Whatever Dexter....your not winning anyones vote this time...no excuses , we are sick of them
7. Well Darrell, you are also showing "very poor judgement" by ignoring the demand of your electorate to deal with Emera's pack of corporate pickpockets

The public also included significant commentary regarding the privatization of Nova Scotia Power - which occurred around the same time Clyde Wells and government tried to do it here in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

The regret is clear and it is easy to determine that the people of Nova Scotia are not pleased. They are also questioning the "leftist" NDP for not doing something about it now - including nationalizing the utility. 

In Newfoundland and Labrador we stopped that fiasco and now Kathy Dunderdale, Danny Williams, and Dean MacDonald want us to become partners with Emera and have the joy of subsidizing more for these corporate elite. 

This is not a project we should entertain or allow. We do not need to find ourselves in the same place Nova Scotian's are living through now. 


The CBC in our province should do a bit of investigation on this story as well. First question - were there any Nalcor officials at the party? 

Emera - are we the Lipstick on the Pig? Ask Premier Dexter

While Nova Scotia PC's were privatizing Nova Scotia Power in the early 1990's we were busy protecting Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro from it. 

We will talk about that more later but now let's look at Dexter's opinion in 2004. 

The NDP although wanting to reverse privatization in the past - realize now they are stuck. Now Dexter sees this deal as helping to correct the the mess Nova Scotia got itself into. So when Dunderdale holds up NDP Leader Dexter as a supporter of the deal with Emera - she should really put it in context. 

In 2004 when Darrell Dexter was NOT the Premier of Nova Scotia - he had an interesting take on Emera.

Provincial NDP Leader Darrell Dexter spoke for many when he said glossing over the utility's shortcomings was like "putting lipstick on a pig."

This was in context to a significant failure of assets. 

NUPGE added the following:

When privatization occurred in 1992, Nova Scotia Power promised solemnly that no layoffs would result. Within three months, the first round of job cuts took place and three other waves of layoffs have occurred since that time.

What's clear in retrospect is that the only winner privatization has produced is Emera Inc.

The company's revenue grew 22% to $951 million for its last full fiscal year and it reported proudly to shareholders that employee levels had declined 7.7% for the year.

That was 2004 - things continued to deteriorate and in 2007 at that time over 30% increases had occurred since privatization and more followed - over 40% + now. 

One protester from the Halifax Coalition against poverty said the following:

"We are also fighting today against Atlantica. [Nova Scotia Power parent company] Emera's interest in Atlantica is in creating an unrestricted trade zone. The corporation wants government deregulation over issues such as power rates and environmental regulations and trade. To export natural gas and power to a larger market and to drive up the cost to maximize their profits. We know that further deregulation will have only negative effects on low-income Nova Scotians.

"Our demands are basic for this government and to this corporation.

"We demand that Nova Scotia Power be returned to public ownership and that there be no more power rate increases!

"Friends, we all know that a 30 per cent raise in our power rates is not an empty figure -- it means not having heat, lights or being able to cook our food properly.

"Fighting here is personal; we are all fighting for a basic right. We fight against the erosion of public resources and the rise of corporate control.

Said another protester, "Nova Scotia Power has increased rates three times in the last five years. How many Nova Scotians have received corresponding pay raises in that same period?"

The Muskrat Stinks!

Navigant = Nalcor = Government

Manitoba Hydro Report = PUB

PUB holds hearings after report and still finds there is not enough information.

Shut the project down!

Wasting half a billion is better than wasting 6 billion.

Better than the other billions - untold - as project fails in the market.

The Island does not need this power.

Labrador needs to be energized - including for significant industrial potential.
 
There are better options for Muskrat  - better deals for Labradorians and generations to come.

This project - Pet Project - is at best a vendetta against Hydro-Quebec and at worst Pork!

Kennedy makes Dangerous Statement in HOA

In the House of Assembly today - Minister of Natural Resources - Jerome Kennedy made a very dangerous statement.

In response to several questions on the proposed Emera deal on Muskrat Falls - he defended the deal - in part - by saying the "the Premier of Nova Scotia supports the deal".

I will remind the Minister that the Premier of Quebec supported the Upper Churchill deal.

What relevance at all does the Premier of Nova Scotia hold with respect to developing Newfoundland and Labrador's resources?

Further the project is not being done with the Government of Nova Scotia - it is with a private corporation.

It would appear to any reasonably minded person that the Premier of Nova Scotia would be supporting that which he felt would be good for Nova Scotia - not Newfoundland and Labrador.

The last time we had another jurisdiction's Premier support a hydro deal was - in fact - the Upper Churchill. My guess is all Quebec Premier's have felt the same since.

To the contrary how have all other Newfoundland and Labrador Premiers felt about the Upper Churchill deal?

Today Minister Kennedy made one of the most dangerous and idiotic statements to date on this development.

Doing Emera Deal will spell disaster in 2041

The following is an exchange in the House of Assembly on Tuesday during Question Period:


MR. BALL: Well, they are not in the boxes. There was a comment made in this House last week, though, that it was kind of conclusive, the impression I had from that.
Mr. Speaker, the government’s 2007 Energy Plan clearly states that our Province will receive the full benefit of the Upper Churchill in 2041; however, the Manitoba Hydro report states that Nalcor has not considered sourcing Upper Churchill power because of the uncertainty of what will happen in 2041.
I ask the Premier: Can you explain why Nalcor is uncertain of what will happen with Upper Churchill power after 2041? Are there concerns that we may not gain control of this resource?
 
MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Natural Resources.
 
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
 
MR. KENNEDY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I am glad the member opposite mentioned the Energy Plan. The Energy Plan is the platform in which we lead to 2041 and the return of the Upper Churchill. What we are doing, Mr. Speaker, we are taking our non-renewable resource monies, our oil money, we are building schools, infrastructure and hospitals leading with Muskrat Falls and Gull Island, hopefully, to the development of a renewable resource economy. What we are always looking for, Mr. Speaker, is looking towards that day for our children and grandchildren when the Upper Churchill will be returned.

There are other issues, yes, certainly, Mr. Speaker. CF(L)Co is owned 65 per cent by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and 35 per cent by Hydro-Quebec. It is not simply a matter that there will be free power upon the return of the Upper Churchill in 2041. There are issues that have to be worked out, the CF(L)Co board has fiduciary obligations upon them. Mr. Speaker, we are always looking towards 2041, and Muskrat Falls is an important first step. (Emphasis Added)


As noted by Sue's Blog the 2041 debacle is going to be a great shock to our grandchildren as they learn we have fooled them again. 


The Minister of Natural Resources - Jerome Kennedy - has stated in the past on several occasions that 2041 will see the return of the Upper Churchill. 


The return of the Upper Churchill? What do you mean Mr. Kennedy? Explain it to us fully. 


The Minister has obviously been informed that 2041 does not mean the "return of the Upper Churchill" to Newfoundland and Labrador. 


The next post will deal with - why the above situation is the greatest reason NOT to do the Emera deal.

First 5 Questions for the Muskrats

1. If there are overruns of 50% as Manitoba Hydro suggests may happen who pays for them?

2. When did Nalcor/Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro first realise there was a shortage of energy?

3. Did Nalcor/Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro seek new industrial customers/partners for Lower Churchill power in Labrador - if so who and what were the results. If not why not?

4. Why are all independent reviews guided by Nalcor's numbers and projections?

5. Where will Nalcor/Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro raise funds to develop Gull Island?

More to Follow

Labrador being nailed by Newfoundland politicians again!

Labrador being nailed by Newfoundland politicians again - this time it will cost us all big time.
Read the information: PRESS HERE

Of Mice and Premiers - Time for Dunderdale's Cabinet and Caucus to take a Stand

Let's not get all literal here.

There is a message sometimes that people must listen to and do something about.

The Cabinet and Caucus of Kathy Dunderdale must at least be somewhat concerned about the Premier's choices and loyalties.

Our Premier is now going to challenge Dr.Wade Locke on the definition of "heritage fund" or "legacy fund". Great - another person - not a chosen "official" will be summarily dismissed - despite the value in what he says.

Dear Premier,

Will you please inform the people of the province what your real problem is. Stephen Harper - the man you chose to support in the last election - is the very same man who has denied the children of the province a meaningful play in our oil resources.

You see Premier when the Harper lied and did not remove the non-renewable resource revenues from equalization - he took 10 billion from our children. That is a legacy fund!

When Canada mismanaged our renewable fishery they took away a billion dollars a year from our children. That is renewable industrial heritage!

Yes we are spending budgetary funds on roads, schools, and hospitals - but we are missing billions which could be set aside for the future generations. Once the oil is gone it is gone! You and your cohorts will be held up as inept, unthinking, and generally naive politicians. That apparently is the only lasting legacy of our land and sea.

In Quebec - your territory of jealousy - they not only have amassed great wealth, industry, and employment with resources - they also had an energy trust which seen Quebeckers pay the lowest price for power. What was our reward for the Upper Churchill?

Hydro-Québec buys almost all of the plant's output at one-quarter of a cent per kWh — the exact rate is 0.25425 cents per kWh until 2016 and 0.20 cents for the last 25 years of the contract.

Now Madame Premier - you propose to do the same thing all over again? Not Brinco but Emera, not Hydro-Quebec but Nova Scotia Power.

I do believe it is time your colleagues did the honourable thing and either - demand the Emera deal is shelved - or demand your resignation.

Sincerely,

Sue

The Muskrat Falls/Emera deal - are you listening MHA's, Media, Opposition

There are times in our lives when a matter is of such importance to the future of Newfoundland and Labrador that we all must step to the plate and be heard.

This is one of those times and the people and politicians of our province must take a measured look by barring all normal and professional prejudices - and fight for what is right.

The proposed Emera deal on the development of Muskrat Falls including transmission infrastructure is flawed and dangerous - it must be held up to the light and every word exposed. When we all have the information necessary to make a decision - then we may move forward or return to the drawing board.

For those of you who follow my blog or have followed my commentaries on energy projects over the past 20 years - you know that if I am concerned there is good reason. I have no interest in playing partisan politics in this circumstance. Primarily that is why partisans cannot look me in the face - but rather attempt to shut me up by attacking me privately to others and behind my back.

The lack of support by many people - involved in Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro's advancement over the past two decades -  including myself should send a clear warning to others that something is terribly wrong. The letter in the Telegram this weekend by John Collins, former Minister of Finance for the PC's - should reemphasize the concerns that many of us have regarding this proposed project.

There are fundamental questions that need specific answers and there are fundamental concerns that need to be addressed. This is not a time for PC MHA's to abandon the true calling to public office - but rather a time to show individual strength and demonstrate that they represent the people not a party, or leader, or past leader, or any particular corporate interest.

As was the case with the Voisey's Bay development deal - the government of the day has the technical mandate to proceed with this development without seeking the approval from the House of Assembly. However, as was also the case with Voisey's Bay - the government should not feel it has a real mandate until true and thorough debate has been completed in the people's legislature.

Danny Williams and Kathy Dunderdale would and have claimed that their input in the Voisey's Bay deal improved the agreement. That was - after all - the argument they made vociferously to the media and the public at the time. Williams was adamant that all details of the deal be put forth to the House of Assembly - no exceptions - even for commercially sensitive information. Both he and Dunderdale also made the argument that Roger Grimes was not elected as Premier - that is to say no electoral mandate was achieved after he took over the office - and therefore a true mandate to develop significant resource deals was not in place.

What is different now? Why the change in the PC government mantra - from the days they sat in Opposition? Why do this government and newly minted Premier Kathy Dunderdale refuse to engage in real discourse and debate with the people or their representatives?

I understand the partisan line and the weighty towing of it. This is not the time to follow such rhetoric. This is arguably the largest resource deal we will make in our generation and therefore it deserves maximum scrutiny and open debate. This is not a rah rah issue - and the cheerleaders need to check their pom-poms at the door and return to real classes.

Make no mistake - this is not the time for PC, Liberal, or NDP supporters to rant on and call each other names. This is a time when the legislators of Newfoundland and Labrador need to do their real job. Banners, buttons, signs, or life-size images will not make this deal the right deal - and if PC members cannot independently confirm that they understand the following they have should not support it:

1. The proposed deal - including all details
2. The history of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
3. The history of the Upper Churchill deal
4. The history of Hydro-Quebec
5. The relationship between the Upper Churchill and the Federal Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act
6. Court challenges on the Upper Churchill
7. Current value and projected value of hydro-electric power for the next 20 years
8. The current position of hydro-electric energy use by industry dependent on energy
9. All documents surrounding any attempts to attract industry to Labrador using the Upper or Lower Churchill Power
10. The GWAC
11. All costs and environmental choices involved in choosing transmission routes
12. The socio-economic advantages/disadvantages of either exporting the power or using it in Labrador
13. A complete comparison of other hydropower rich countries and jurisdictions and how they use hydropower for industrial development - including but not limited to Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Quebec
14. The history of Emera , trading of the stock, the vulnerability of takeover, and the expected benefits to the shareholders from the Muskrat Falls development
15. The comparison of accrued benefits for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, the people of Nova Scotia, the people of New Brunswick or New England, Nalcor, Emera, and more particularly the people and communities of Labrador
16. All options for renewable energy including but not limited to geo-thermal, wind, tidal, wave, and hydro
17. A 20 year exhaustive energy plan based on historic and realistic projections of energy needs
18. All financing options for the project and the costs and risks inherent in each
19. Why Danny Williams and the PC's reneged on
      a) getting recourse on the Upper Churchill before a deal on the Lower Churchill
      b) 100% ownership of the project by the people of the province
      c) control of transmission routes
20. The projected costs of consumer energy both in Labrador and on the island and costs for industry

Please understand that this list is not complete and there are many more areas to be covered.
If you continue to stand on your feet in the House of Assembly and speak without the above knowledge - you do so irresponsibly and shall be held fully responsible for your ignorance should this deal proceed.

Rather than trying to silence me through indirect threats to me professionally or through asking your supporters to follow you blindly when you yourself are blind to the facts - try to stand on your own two feet and do what is right.

Although I fully expect many of the MHA's to keep their hands over their ears while humming "I can't hear you" - I also expect there are decent and conscious MHA's that will make sure their children and grandchildren come first in the making of such a deal. If you are prepared to put party ahead of the future of our province and her people - do the honourable thing and resign.

Something is really rotten - it's not a dead Muskrat

Something is rotten in Newfoundland and Labrador - it`s not a dead Muskrat - but if allowed to fester it will eat away at everything that`s possible for the future of our children.

I have seen plenty of corruption, lies, deceit, and self-serving maneuvers in politics - but in my adult life - nothing comes close to this.

If this rot is not questioned and exposed it will ruin us and it will significantly enrich elite market prostitutes, substantially enrich self-serving - don`t give a damn about anybody else - local companies - and improve the lot of clapping seals for their ignorant, I want a Cabinet Post, blind agreement by lazy self-serving louts we call PC MHA`s.

1. Announcement of a Term Sheet with Emera to develop Muskrat Falls. Newfoundland and Labrador people knew nothing of this prior to the announcement.

2. Danny Williams leaves politics - unexpected - and almost immediately after he announces the Term Sheet. No real answers given for the departure - just sniffles and tears and he proclaims undying love for Newfoundland and Labrador.

3. Kathy Dunderdale appointed interim Premier - which most - including media took to mean she would be the caretaker while the PC Party chose a new leader.

4. Rumors that Kathy might run for the post began to circulate raising expectation that she would step down and pick another non-leadership hopeful to the post.

5. Kathy then says she is not interested in running for the position - and expects that those that are might have to vacate Cabinet posts.

6. Speculation abound that Jerome Kennedy, Tom Marshall, Kevin O`Brien, Tom Hedderson among others were considering the run.

7. One by one these people dropped out while Dunderdale`s name continued to be thrown out - with her approval no doubt. Then came the question again - when would she relinquish the Premier's chair to make her bid.

8. Next the slow progression of unknown promotion of Dunderdale - culminating in Kathy standing without her caucus in an understated announcement that she would seek the leadership of the PC`s. Claiming the support was overwhelming - she had to graciously accept her popularity.

9. Along comes Brad Cabana - who? That's right Brad Cabana - first everybody laughed - but as the party fought his candidacy Liberals and NDP and some longtime - no longer in the loop Tories - started crying foul.

10. The media of the Province - like starving wolves -forgot everything else and packed around Cabana like the next coming until finally the charade was over and Brad found his way over to the Liberal party - waiting with open arms for anybody to want them.

11. No need for Kathy to step down now. No now there would be a coronation for the woman who did not want to be queen.

12. Then there was the fisheries fiasco - yet again another report - that initially government held back - more controversy - then decided to release - and then reject - kind of - maybe - we will see.

13. The fishermen and plant workers of our province begging for a buy-out - a retirement package - anything to save a bit of pride - while all independence is squat out of them.

14. Then the kicker - Danny and Kathy were fighting and word leaked out deliberately that Danny was not going to attend his own tribute - a rift. That certainly put to bed any speculation that Kathy was doing Emera for Dan right? Media did not bite enough so - deliberately leaked out - the rift was bigger than first thought and now the new PC's under new leadership was Harper's best friend.

15. Meanwhile back at the PC ranch Tommy Williams plodded on - still organizing the convention that his brother was not attending. Sure! That makes sense right? Rumors starting to circulate that provincial PC's and federal Conservatives were now going to get the "family" back together. What family? The PC's are not Conservatives right?

16. Meanwhile - Beth Crosbie daughter of John Crosbie - decided she didn't after all want her turn at the trough and let Jerry Byrne - brother of Jack take his turn - while the rumors circulated that this caused a rift between John and Danny.

17. Then Fabian was down every second day passing out money for wharves, roads, airports, whatever it took for the stund Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to forget his betrayal to the people. Everywhere you looked Fabian was there with another cheque - apparently from his own pocket right? No this was Fabian under Harper giving us our own money - money stolen under a lie by Harper. Thus the ABC campaign.

18. Rumors that Fabian, Loyola S, and John Ottenheimer would be seeking election for the Conservatives. Played up like they were making the ultimate sacrifice "lest we forget" as Danny has on the Christmas card in poor taste. Fabs leaving the Senate, Loyola giving up the ambassador for fish, and John walking away from the Nalcor Board as chair.

19. Jerry Byrne presenting himself in St. John's East as the candidate to build a bridge between Ottawa and our province. What bridge? What is he talking about?

20. Danny mumbling on about issues "not Elizabeth" were causing the ill feelings and even that he could no longer get the cell phone numbers of Cabinet Ministers. At this point they are feeling extra confident that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians were stund and they could say and do what they wanted.

21. Elizabeth Marshall senator, wife of Stan Marshall - head of Fortis - comes riding in to chair Fabian's campaign - saying she was right when she did not support Danny's ABC campaign and the other seals now saying they were happy that the "family" was back together again.

22. Danny, the passionate tearful "we got it" Premier states he's no longer interested in the ABC campaign because he is not the Premier anymore - as if that makes a difference to somebody who is really passionate about their province. So he's out of the equation despite the fact he asked every Newfoundlander and Labradorian to follow him down the ABC path as a matter of critical importance to the very heart and future of our province. The most important issue of our lives - he claimed. Nah don't care about that anymore cause I'm not the Premier. He's is calling you and me fools - that's what it amounts to and so far we sit and take it.

23. Rumors that the loan guarantee may be coming now that there is a new relationship between the province and Ottawa has developed. But what of Quebec - the voting grounds of Harper for his majority?

24. Oh but wait Old Harry pops up - Quebec and Ottawa signing an accord on oil offshore that Newfoundland and Labrador apparently contests belongs to this province. Oops. Then there is the Romaine river and the piece about the secret deal between Nalcor and Hydro-Quebec seeing power go to isolated Quebec communities while Labrador communities drive diesel - even after Muskrat Falls is developed.

25. The whole issue with Emera is under-reported secret, commercially sensitive and the driving deal - the new Premier almost possessed with it's deliverance. Throne Speech, Industry speeches - Dunderdale sell sell sell that power. Nothing else matters - get the deal done.

26. Gone from Term Sheet to deals with Quebec company SNC Lavalin like there's no tomorrow.

27. Stephen wants a majority in Ottawa and two to three seats this time in Newfoundland and Labrador might do that for him. So a loan guarantee is coming and Fabian and Loyola - in debt to Harper for the posh positions agree to do the deed.

28. Nobody knows who is involved in Emera - if there are personal enrichment's here worth hundreds of millions of dollars and society should by now realize the extent that some people will go for money.

29. The deliverance of Newfoundland and Labrador - for power to other provinces so they may enjoy cheap power while the people of this province pay for it. The absolute ignoring of Labrador yet again in another giveaway.

30. The deliverance of a majority to Stephen Harper - favour returned by the Benedicts of our province.

31. The deliverance of Old Harry to Quebec along with millions of contracts for Quebec firms and workers from the Muskrat development.

32. The deliverance of hundreds of millions to shareholders (unknown) of Emera. Then the potential takeover of Emera by Hydro-Quebec - permanently barring our independence.

33. The PC MHA's that tore Fabian limb from limb - kiss and make-up as they are told they are now allowed to do. A disgrace to our forefathers - the fighting Newfoundlander and Labradorian.

34. The absolute destruction of rural Newfoundland and Labrador communities letting more of us beg for a living from the richest piece of geography in North America.

35. All of these bums anticipate that we the people are stupid, messiah worshiping idiots - that will bring their pathetic politically and morally corrupt arses to the promised land of wealth. By their behavior they would sell their own mother to achieve it. These bumbling incompetents - standing on their feet talking about the Lower Churchill like they had any clue - leading the people of the this province to ruin.

36. They all have the balls to sell their own people out - not one of them has the balls to do what's right!

37. The media - where are they? Questions regarding a deal or no deal? Questions of an unelected Premier doing a resource development? Questions on Emera? Danny's resignation? The secrecy of a deal - when they demanded Grimes tell it all on Voisey's Bay? The artificial rift? How could Tommy still be in when Danny is out? He can't get cell phone numbers??? Where's the investigation? Where are the questions? 

Good luck to you all.  This time we are going to need "God Guard thee Newfoundland and Labrador".

Answer this one Question

What happens if Hydro-Quebec buys Emera?

Who or what is behind the Emera deal? What will it cost us?

Basic Questions on the Emera deal?

1. Why is Emera involved or required?

2. Why was Emera chosen - if the decision was made to seek private investment?

3. What is the cost comparison of the following?

    

     a) The cost of the Emera investment in terms of what they receive for the deal?

     b) If Newfoundland and Labrador borrowed all the money required for the project versus the inclusion of the Emera investment what would the additional amount Newfoundland and Labrador would accrue  in interest compared to what the value over the term for the power we must give up for the investment.

     c) The cost of developing the power for the use of industry in Labrador where transmission is significantly reduced, market fluctuations are minimized, long-term employment and industrial benefits accrue versus shipping the power out?

      d) Will Emera require profit? Why are we including unnecessary profit in the cost of development when it could be minimized if we developed it all ourselves? That is if there is profit - why do we not allow that to accrue to our own corporation in Newfoundland and Labrador versus for a few shareholders of a company located in Nova Scotia?

There is a reason this deal was made the way it was - and as yet we have not been advised as the owners of the resources what that is. We do know that the deal was announced by former Premier Danny Williams who almost immediately after left politics unexpectedly and without any real reason (that is for somebody who expressed such passion for the province). What do you and I know about Emera and who the big shareholders are? What have some already made on the simple announcement that a deal was struck? What do we know now of the former Premier's current investments? 

Who does Minister Shawn Skinner work for?

Minister of Natural Resources Shawn Skinner as quoted on a government of Nova Scotia website.

"I am pleased with the approach to work together, discuss issues, and exchange ideas to benefit a strong, united region. I was particularly pleased to discuss the development of Muskrat Falls, which will provide tremendous benefit for the region and indeed the country, and look forward to a continued partnership in support of the development."

"The people of Atlantic Canada will benefit from regional co-operation on energy issues. I am pleased with this spirit of regional co-operation among the provinces. Working together we can strengthen the energy sector, generate more economic activity, create more jobs and lower energy costs across the region."

Okay so I employ Shawn Skinner to aggessively develop Labrador resources so that the region can benefit and become strong and even the country for that matter. And I am also employing him so that we can use Labrador power to lower energy costs in the region. 

I have never witnessed in my adulthood such a skewed mandate and an absolute effort to marginalize one's own province so that other provinces in the region can move industrial development forward on our resources.

Is there anyway to put this politely? Minister Skinner your job is to use Newfoundland and Labrador energy resources to benefit our province - particularly Labrador - and if at all possible make our energy more competitive than our neighbouring provinces so we can attract industry here for our people. 

Your government's insistance on exporting the raw resource of hydropower has left us with little to look forward to. The method you have chosen to export - only makes it that much worse. Emera - a publicly traded Nova Scotian company - vulnerable to takeover by a party - Hydro-Quebec that would benefit them tremendously - all at the cost to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. 

Which Nova Scotian resource are they shipping here to Newfoundland and Labrador to assist us in developing our industries and long term sustainability? 

What Canadian resources are being shipped here to help this province develop?

As Quebec also in many cases fall within our region - what will Quebec be shipping our way? Do you even talk to them and what of your government's promise for redress on the Upper Churchill?

What of the equalization formula which continues to rip away any benefit we will get from our depleting oil resources? We already expect to lose 10 billion or so on that - while Ontario and Quebec benefit?

Why are you down on bended knee for a loan guarantee from Ottawa when they have already stripped a billion a year from us for mismanaged groundfish stocks?

If I were cynical - Minister Skinner - you are speaking like you are a Minister of Atlantica - do you support that concept of joining the four provinces together? I'd like a polygraph on that. 

Nova Scotia announces development of it's Hydro Electric Resources?

Who's resources are being developed here?


Nova Scotia families and businesses will benefit from  35 years of clean energy and more predictable, stable prices under an agreement announced today, (November 18) by Premier  Darrell Dexter.


The deal will give the province access to power from Muskrat Falls in Newfoundland and Labrador by way of a subseacable to Cape Breton and ensure Nova Scotia gains economic benefits, including thousands of jobs from the construction of the six-billion dollar project.


Premier Dexter says through this partnership, Nova Scotia is taking a major step forward as an international leader in renewable energy.


"This is an historic day for Nova Scotia, and all of Atlantic Canada," said Nova Scotia premier Darrell Dexter. "Through this partnership, Nova Scotia is taking a major step forward as an international leader in renewable energy.”

Where are the stated benefits for Labrador and Labrador industry?

Where are the stated benefits for Labradorians currently on thermal generation or supply from Hydro-Quebec?

This is a disgrace - this is a legacy of shame! 
PC MHA's including Labrador's representatives are pounding their chests over this?

There will be no excuse for this giveaway - and as usual most of the people involved with the deal if it goes through - will either move away, or say they did not know that this might happen or that might happen.