So Mr. MacDonald has addressed a group of Liberals at a fundraiser.
That's interesting!
The following is from a story in the Telegram on the event:
In Upper Island Cove Saturday night, MacDonald devoted nearly all of his
30-minute speech to attacking the current government, and making the
case that the Progressive Conservatives, led by Premier Kathy
Dunderdale, lack vision and cannot competently manage the province.
MacDonald attacked Dunderdale on what he saw as poor fiscal management,
and while he said he’s in favour of the Muskrat Falls project, he thinks
the government has “fumbled” the process to get it developed. “I don’t
think we have a vision. I don’t think we have a plan for the province. I
don’t feel that we’re all on a team who all know where we’re headed,”
MacDonald said. “The party that’s been in power too long believes their
own bullshit, and the party that will sweep into power doesn’t, and
that’s us.”
Well now - when exactly did this transformation occur? Was it when the Cabinet - not "Danny Williams" granted his wish for the fibre optic line? That would have meant that Kathy was instrumental in passing through the untendered cash. Is that the Kathy he is talking about?
How about the "fumbled" process on the Muskrat Falls proposed deal with Emera? Was that because he is no longer the Chair of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro? Does he think Ed Martin dropped the ball? Is he saying that Danny dropped the ball? Or is he saying that it's okay to "bullshit" the people now - for his own political gain - now that Danny is gone?
What team is Dean talking about? Is it the Ice-Caps or somehow the political team that he was part of when Danny was the leader of the same party he is now crapping on?
Newfoundland and Labrador is in for a rough ride people - when the word is that only Brian, Danny, or Dean, are intellectually capable enough to run our affairs.
So what's Danny's take on Dean's statements? That should be funny. Perhaps Brian can wade in and let us know what he thinks.
The Telegram reported that the Liberals in attendance gave Dean a standing ovation. For what? Crapping on the PC government that gave him the cash - that the Liberals fought vehemently against? Or is it for Dean supporting the most current PC economic/energy policy regarding the Muskrat deal which the Liberals oppose?
If the Liberals position is that "anybody" can become leader regardless of what they stand for - as long as it returns the party to power - then we can conclude our political system is completely broken.
It is impossible to calculate how stupid they think we are.
Showing posts with label cable atlantic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cable atlantic. Show all posts
Monday, April 30, 2012
Monday, April 09, 2012
Is Dean trying to finish the job for Danny and Brian?
Dean = Chairperson of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro under Brian Tobin
Dean = Quits as Chair of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro under Grimes
Dean = Reappointed as Chair of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro under Williams
Reward offered by Sue's Blog - find a comment where Danny Williams says anything negative about Brian Tobin.
Despite the stated circumstances surrounding the insertion of Danny Williams into PC Leader - that is "Liberal" mismanagement of the economy for over a decade - Williams always focused on Roger Grimes - not Tobin. This does not make sense of course - as the Tobin era did most of the spending - including a significant amount respecting a potential deal with Hydro-Quebec to develop the Lower Churchill.
Dean also had no problem cutting a deal with Hydro-Quebec on guaranteed winter availability - which gave more power to the Quebec Crown utility under the Churchill Falls - Labrador Corporation. This was as a result of a failed attempt to develop the Lower Churchill with Quebec under Tobin and Bouchard.
The deal is that Williams becomes Leader of the PC's after Tobin leaves as leader of the Liberals.
Then Williams becomes Premier and re-appoints MacDonald as Chair of Hydro.
Apparently Williams only had problem with Grimes dealing with Quebec but had no problem with Bouchard/Tobin negotiations. No problem with the money spent on that - including the PR costs. MacDonald also had no problem with further control going to Hydro-Quebec.
Insert Danny and all of a sudden MacDonald goes from being a Tobin Liberal to supporting a Williams PC government. Find a place where MacDonald has any negative comments toward the leadership of Danny Williams.
Now Williams is gone and Dean is once again a Liberal - one exception - the Danny deal on Muskrat Falls.
It is "assumed" that Dunderdale would suffice to ram the Emera deal through - with Dean the "Liberal" applauding the project.
Once rammed through - it is assumed that Dean will enter and win the Liberal leadership and go on to take the "bad" Dunderdale out. You will note that Danny is only commenting on the Emera deal not the overall performance of the Dunderdale administration.
Dean's job will be to follow the Tobin and Williams regimes and make sure some honey flows from the provincial coffers. Tobin to Williams (contract to Cable Atlantic) later sold to Rogers and Williams to MacDonald (contract to Persona) later sold to Eastlink.
Hydro Chair Dean MacDonald's Comment to the Independent Newspaper in 2004 regarding going around Quebec:
“Absolutely,” he says. “One of the things we’ve done in the past is locked into discussions with only one partner (Hydro-Quebec) … I think we’d do ourselves a great disservice if we think there’s only one way to skin this cat.
“We’re interested in doing the best job we can in terms of returning benefits to the province, whether its with Quebec, or Ontario, or someone south of the border, or whoever.”
What was up in 2004 Dean?
What's up with Tobin on the Emera deal? No comment? No protecting the Liberal position?
We have previous Tories from a Premier to Cabinet Ministers questioning the Emera deal but nothing from Tobin?
Danny develops Term Sheet with Emera then hastily leaves while rumours regarding Dean becoming Liberal leader surface.
In an effort to achieve maximum accountability and transparency I would like to know the complete portfolios of Tobin, Williams, and MacDonald and which of the investments would benefit from the Emera deal and ultimately a privatized hydro with a development for Gull Island.
The three amigos - what's the real deal?
Dean = Quits as Chair of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro under Grimes
Dean = Reappointed as Chair of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro under Williams
Reward offered by Sue's Blog - find a comment where Danny Williams says anything negative about Brian Tobin.
Despite the stated circumstances surrounding the insertion of Danny Williams into PC Leader - that is "Liberal" mismanagement of the economy for over a decade - Williams always focused on Roger Grimes - not Tobin. This does not make sense of course - as the Tobin era did most of the spending - including a significant amount respecting a potential deal with Hydro-Quebec to develop the Lower Churchill.
Dean also had no problem cutting a deal with Hydro-Quebec on guaranteed winter availability - which gave more power to the Quebec Crown utility under the Churchill Falls - Labrador Corporation. This was as a result of a failed attempt to develop the Lower Churchill with Quebec under Tobin and Bouchard.
The deal is that Williams becomes Leader of the PC's after Tobin leaves as leader of the Liberals.
Then Williams becomes Premier and re-appoints MacDonald as Chair of Hydro.
Apparently Williams only had problem with Grimes dealing with Quebec but had no problem with Bouchard/Tobin negotiations. No problem with the money spent on that - including the PR costs. MacDonald also had no problem with further control going to Hydro-Quebec.
Insert Danny and all of a sudden MacDonald goes from being a Tobin Liberal to supporting a Williams PC government. Find a place where MacDonald has any negative comments toward the leadership of Danny Williams.
Now Williams is gone and Dean is once again a Liberal - one exception - the Danny deal on Muskrat Falls.
It is "assumed" that Dunderdale would suffice to ram the Emera deal through - with Dean the "Liberal" applauding the project.
Once rammed through - it is assumed that Dean will enter and win the Liberal leadership and go on to take the "bad" Dunderdale out. You will note that Danny is only commenting on the Emera deal not the overall performance of the Dunderdale administration.
Dean's job will be to follow the Tobin and Williams regimes and make sure some honey flows from the provincial coffers. Tobin to Williams (contract to Cable Atlantic) later sold to Rogers and Williams to MacDonald (contract to Persona) later sold to Eastlink.
Hydro Chair Dean MacDonald's Comment to the Independent Newspaper in 2004 regarding going around Quebec:
“Absolutely,” he says. “One of the things we’ve done in the past is locked into discussions with only one partner (Hydro-Quebec) … I think we’d do ourselves a great disservice if we think there’s only one way to skin this cat.
“We’re interested in doing the best job we can in terms of returning benefits to the province, whether its with Quebec, or Ontario, or someone south of the border, or whoever.”
What was up in 2004 Dean?
What's up with Tobin on the Emera deal? No comment? No protecting the Liberal position?
We have previous Tories from a Premier to Cabinet Ministers questioning the Emera deal but nothing from Tobin?
Danny develops Term Sheet with Emera then hastily leaves while rumours regarding Dean becoming Liberal leader surface.
In an effort to achieve maximum accountability and transparency I would like to know the complete portfolios of Tobin, Williams, and MacDonald and which of the investments would benefit from the Emera deal and ultimately a privatized hydro with a development for Gull Island.
The three amigos - what's the real deal?
Monday, July 11, 2011
Dunderdale and Jones - the amigos Dean Danny and Brian got your back!
Note to the reader: Please read the entire post and find something you can refute.
When is enough - enough? Never for some who have their hearts set on making money everywhere and anywhere they can.
This is not public policy - it is "me" policy - and we are into it deep.
Dean MacDonald has now returned to Liberal glory having bowed out to support Danny Williams during his kick at the cat. The same Dean MacDonald that ripped the living daylights out of Roger Grimes - when it was convenient to get his PC elected. All the while Brian Tobin is the third amigo - and he can swing where the power goes.
The best part is - how they all set it up - or make excuses for it. They absolutely believe the general population of Newfoundland and Labrador is brainless.
A deal is announced suddenly on the Lower Churchill - Danny suddenly leaves - Danny and Kathy fight it out publicly - Dean returns to being a "public" Liberal - Brian Tobin is named Chairman of the Canadian Venture Corps Advisory Board - and is quoted as saying "Bay St. George is home for me".
So is Brian coming home to be part of the Liberal re-establishment under Dean - as soon as he deals with the current leader?
So the boys will get their Churchill deal - while Kathy will be blamed for the mess - and the guys will regain power by Election 2015 - to start on the next extraction of wealth from Newfoundland and Labrador.
Now we'll have to wait and see if Brian returns home before August of this year. There would be a specific reason for this if he does. Or he may sit back and let "time" pass in Ottawa and be back at the end of the sentence.
Either Kathy and Yvonne are getting what they need here or they are being played like the fiddle - while the boys burn Rome.
Dean MacDonald shoved a sharp political knife through the heart of Roger Grimes when the deal (Churchill) was not being managed by the "right" people. So his buddy Danny comes along and makes a new deal - MacDonald says nothing. Now MacDonald has rejoined the Liberal camp - yet he continues to say nothing on the Churchill deal. Either he agrees with it - giving him no reason to abandon the Tories or he disagrees with it - meaning he would throw Danny under the bus - as not enough time has elapsed to fully allow the giveaway to stick to Dunderdale.
Now Dean claims he would like to lead the Liberals but this is not the time. No instead he will come in under Yvonne Jones now - claim he is Liberal again - help the Liberals lose - and allow the Muskrat Giveaway to take its course. Then he will rise like the phoenix from the ashes and claim Newfoundland and Labrador can not allow any more giveaways as just witnessed under Dunderdale. They have assessed that the province will be ready for another Savior by then. He will then have to put his assets in a "blind" trust and perhaps Danny and Brian could manage that for him.
In the event Dunderdale continues to blow things at a record pace - and Yvonne takes the election - she has already said - she would not scrap the deal - but rather have an independent review. Protects the deal either way.So who is advising Yvonne on the Lower Churchill? Dean perhaps? How convenient.
Just wondering Tom - am I close yet? It's a little much for a real Newfoundlander and Labradorian to swallow.
Brian gave to Danny - Cable Atlantic - Danny gave to Dean Persona - Now Dean needs to give to Brian ???
When is enough - enough? Never for some who have their hearts set on making money everywhere and anywhere they can.
This is not public policy - it is "me" policy - and we are into it deep.
Dean MacDonald has now returned to Liberal glory having bowed out to support Danny Williams during his kick at the cat. The same Dean MacDonald that ripped the living daylights out of Roger Grimes - when it was convenient to get his PC elected. All the while Brian Tobin is the third amigo - and he can swing where the power goes.
The best part is - how they all set it up - or make excuses for it. They absolutely believe the general population of Newfoundland and Labrador is brainless.
A deal is announced suddenly on the Lower Churchill - Danny suddenly leaves - Danny and Kathy fight it out publicly - Dean returns to being a "public" Liberal - Brian Tobin is named Chairman of the Canadian Venture Corps Advisory Board - and is quoted as saying "Bay St. George is home for me".
So is Brian coming home to be part of the Liberal re-establishment under Dean - as soon as he deals with the current leader?
So the boys will get their Churchill deal - while Kathy will be blamed for the mess - and the guys will regain power by Election 2015 - to start on the next extraction of wealth from Newfoundland and Labrador.
Now we'll have to wait and see if Brian returns home before August of this year. There would be a specific reason for this if he does. Or he may sit back and let "time" pass in Ottawa and be back at the end of the sentence.
Either Kathy and Yvonne are getting what they need here or they are being played like the fiddle - while the boys burn Rome.
Dean MacDonald shoved a sharp political knife through the heart of Roger Grimes when the deal (Churchill) was not being managed by the "right" people. So his buddy Danny comes along and makes a new deal - MacDonald says nothing. Now MacDonald has rejoined the Liberal camp - yet he continues to say nothing on the Churchill deal. Either he agrees with it - giving him no reason to abandon the Tories or he disagrees with it - meaning he would throw Danny under the bus - as not enough time has elapsed to fully allow the giveaway to stick to Dunderdale.
Now Dean claims he would like to lead the Liberals but this is not the time. No instead he will come in under Yvonne Jones now - claim he is Liberal again - help the Liberals lose - and allow the Muskrat Giveaway to take its course. Then he will rise like the phoenix from the ashes and claim Newfoundland and Labrador can not allow any more giveaways as just witnessed under Dunderdale. They have assessed that the province will be ready for another Savior by then. He will then have to put his assets in a "blind" trust and perhaps Danny and Brian could manage that for him.
In the event Dunderdale continues to blow things at a record pace - and Yvonne takes the election - she has already said - she would not scrap the deal - but rather have an independent review. Protects the deal either way.So who is advising Yvonne on the Lower Churchill? Dean perhaps? How convenient.
Just wondering Tom - am I close yet? It's a little much for a real Newfoundlander and Labradorian to swallow.
Brian gave to Danny - Cable Atlantic - Danny gave to Dean Persona - Now Dean needs to give to Brian ???
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
OH - SEE - I something's fishy about Marystown Taxation
A story in the Telegram today has left me with more questions than answers.
The Headline read "OCI and Marystown settle municipal taxes".
Excuse me? What taxes - how many years were owed? What prevented the taxes being paid before now? What do they mean a settlement? Why won't they tell the public what the settlement was?
What does the following quote from the story mean? "While both parties have mutually agreed to the settlement of taxes up to and including 2011 we look forward to negotiating a more fair and reasonable tax structure for 2012 and beyond with the Town of Marystown as we have with other municipalities”...
So let me get this straight - if you are an employer in a community needing employment - the municipal tax structure is out the window. If a fisherman/woman or plant worker is having a rough year - taxes will be waived - renegotiated? Why not open it up to negotiating provincial tax as well.
Does OCI - owned by Ches Penney have problems paying tax?
How much more do we have to turn over to merchants to remain in their good graces?
How much access to the resources do they already have?
Are they losing money or something?
Why not visit the OCI website and have a look!
While you are there review the News Release regarding Loyola Sullivan being appointed VP of Resource Management and Sustainability.
So yes Loyola achieved a great deal when he was Canada's Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation - right?
The News Release lists Martin Sullivan as CEO and Blaine Sullivan as COO - all in the family for conservation right? Who is conserving what? Who are they conserving it for?
Oops better stop talking now - or OCI might haul up their stakes and move from Marystown.
Looks like Newfoundland and Labrador is on the way to creating an Irving sort of control. So how much is enough?
Was there enough tax saved in Marystown to pay for a philanthropic Ches Penney venture?
Ah just another rut in the highway of Corporate Voodoo - get those paving trucks out - again and again - and again...
One final note what are the media allowed to ask these days?
From Sprung to Brinco - and from Cable Atlantic to Persona - what control do we have of our government anymore?
No Control!
I must admit Mr. Penney - you have managed to put some squarely in their appropriate social status.
The Former president of FPI is now where?
The Former Minister Sullivan is now where?
How was that pick - up and "purchase" of FPI assets.
I must say that when I go to the the FPI site today our familiar little fishy is still around - unfortunately it's now controlled by Highliner USA - then again we've lost control of all our little fishies right? That is the ones we can find.
Remind me again - who owns the resources? Who should be the primary beneficiary?
The Headline read "OCI and Marystown settle municipal taxes".
Excuse me? What taxes - how many years were owed? What prevented the taxes being paid before now? What do they mean a settlement? Why won't they tell the public what the settlement was?
What does the following quote from the story mean? "While both parties have mutually agreed to the settlement of taxes up to and including 2011 we look forward to negotiating a more fair and reasonable tax structure for 2012 and beyond with the Town of Marystown as we have with other municipalities”...
So let me get this straight - if you are an employer in a community needing employment - the municipal tax structure is out the window. If a fisherman/woman or plant worker is having a rough year - taxes will be waived - renegotiated? Why not open it up to negotiating provincial tax as well.
Does OCI - owned by Ches Penney have problems paying tax?
How much more do we have to turn over to merchants to remain in their good graces?
How much access to the resources do they already have?
Are they losing money or something?
Why not visit the OCI website and have a look!
While you are there review the News Release regarding Loyola Sullivan being appointed VP of Resource Management and Sustainability.
So yes Loyola achieved a great deal when he was Canada's Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation - right?
The News Release lists Martin Sullivan as CEO and Blaine Sullivan as COO - all in the family for conservation right? Who is conserving what? Who are they conserving it for?
Oops better stop talking now - or OCI might haul up their stakes and move from Marystown.
Looks like Newfoundland and Labrador is on the way to creating an Irving sort of control. So how much is enough?
Was there enough tax saved in Marystown to pay for a philanthropic Ches Penney venture?
Ah just another rut in the highway of Corporate Voodoo - get those paving trucks out - again and again - and again...
One final note what are the media allowed to ask these days?
From Sprung to Brinco - and from Cable Atlantic to Persona - what control do we have of our government anymore?
No Control!
I must admit Mr. Penney - you have managed to put some squarely in their appropriate social status.
The Former president of FPI is now where?
The Former Minister Sullivan is now where?
How was that pick - up and "purchase" of FPI assets.
I must say that when I go to the the FPI site today our familiar little fishy is still around - unfortunately it's now controlled by Highliner USA - then again we've lost control of all our little fishies right? That is the ones we can find.
Remind me again - who owns the resources? Who should be the primary beneficiary?
Monday, July 04, 2011
Minister Susan Sullivan takes on Broadband - Good Luck with That
Yes let's try again Minister Susan Sullivan says of Rural Broadband access.
Let's do something local hey?
So when Tobin is in power he turns contracts over to Cable Atlantic then owned by Danny Williams - who then almost immediately flipped it to Rogers. (local argument gone)
Then Williams comes to power and gives Persona then owned by Dean Macdonald many millions for a new fibre-optic line. Macdonald then flips almost immediately flipped it to East Link (local argument gone).
In the meantime Newfoundland Tel (Aliant) is the loser in both scenarios - and as a result backs away from continued investment in the province.
You see we are a limited population - there is no room for two or three players. If you bring competition into an underpopulated area - you lose the main service provider. It would be the same if the government decided to let another power distributor in to compete against Fortis. The dollars available to be made would be reduced and investment commitments would be lost.
I know we are creating a lot of millionaires - without any real plan to deal with these communications issues.
What a bloody mess, Minister Sullivan - and the lack of infrastructure and investment is starting to show. Wait till the poles have to be dealt with. Wait until the systems fail without proper investment in maintenance.
Meanwhile - business and tourism will continue to stall without a proper plan.
The government says this time the RBI will be better than the GBI (government broadband initiative) - really Minister Sullivan - and you guarantee this how?
Lit and unlit were the terms then Minister of Duct Tape Trevor Taylor used during the GBI fiasco. No control of funds. Complete mess according to the Auditor General John Noseworthy.
What Tory business faithful have their hands out now?
By the way Minister Sullivan - why do the hospitals in the metro area use a SASKATCHEWAN CROWN corporation to provide cable TV to our patients?
If you want to review the past on this flipping PRESS HERE
Let's do something local hey?
So when Tobin is in power he turns contracts over to Cable Atlantic then owned by Danny Williams - who then almost immediately flipped it to Rogers. (local argument gone)
Then Williams comes to power and gives Persona then owned by Dean Macdonald many millions for a new fibre-optic line. Macdonald then flips almost immediately flipped it to East Link (local argument gone).
In the meantime Newfoundland Tel (Aliant) is the loser in both scenarios - and as a result backs away from continued investment in the province.
You see we are a limited population - there is no room for two or three players. If you bring competition into an underpopulated area - you lose the main service provider. It would be the same if the government decided to let another power distributor in to compete against Fortis. The dollars available to be made would be reduced and investment commitments would be lost.
I know we are creating a lot of millionaires - without any real plan to deal with these communications issues.
What a bloody mess, Minister Sullivan - and the lack of infrastructure and investment is starting to show. Wait till the poles have to be dealt with. Wait until the systems fail without proper investment in maintenance.
Meanwhile - business and tourism will continue to stall without a proper plan.
The government says this time the RBI will be better than the GBI (government broadband initiative) - really Minister Sullivan - and you guarantee this how?
Lit and unlit were the terms then Minister of Duct Tape Trevor Taylor used during the GBI fiasco. No control of funds. Complete mess according to the Auditor General John Noseworthy.
What Tory business faithful have their hands out now?
By the way Minister Sullivan - why do the hospitals in the metro area use a SASKATCHEWAN CROWN corporation to provide cable TV to our patients?
If you want to review the past on this flipping PRESS HERE
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
The Lower Churchill/Emera Deal - Danny's Legacy - Our Nightmare
I had the "privilege" of attending the Joint Panel on the Lower Churchill development and listened to the NALCOR presentation.
Gilbert Bennett VP - Lower Churchill Nalcor delivered what can only be described as a propaganda manifesto for the Williams/Dunderdale government.
Further I am witnessing Kathy Dunderdale on her feet in the House of Assembly now repeating the propaganda and I am unsure if she actually believes or understands it.
This development is not for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador - it will not be good for Newfoundland and Labrador - and it will disadvantage both residents and businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Let me start with Mr. Bennett - who sits in his position today because I and my fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians stopped the privatization of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. He only joined Hydro in 2005 and guess what - he once worked for Cable Atlantic. The virtues and praises of the company he sings - is only possible because the people not government had a vision for our green energy.
After his prolonged and basic presentation - he took questions from the audience. Unlike the less than thorough report provided by the Telegram I and others in the audience gave him questions that he did not answer or did not answer satisfactorily.
Further - his behavior while I was asking questions was like watching a couple of school children attempting to intimidate a classmate as he and his cohort grinned and giggled and raised eyebrows as I spoke.
Mr. Bennett - number one you work for the people of this province - we are the shareholders of the company you are fortunate to have employment with. Second; for you to in any way try to make light of my questions and commentary is nothing more than a joke. We both know who did what to save the Crown Jewel - Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and the jobs with it.
To my questions:
I asked Mr. Bennett if the deal with Emera was already done - as he was presenting as if it were including the awarding of contracts to Quebec companies like SNC Lavalin. After a bit of dancing he said no.
I asked Mr. Bennett if he could tell me the difference in the cost of power produced at the Lower Churchill if all the transmission lines to the Island and to Nova Scotia were not built. After screwing around with industry numbers - we got to it and he said it was about half price.
I asked if he was aware that Norway, Iceland, Quebec, Russia, and now Greenland have established aluminum smelters and he acknowledged that he did. I then followed with why Labrador could not establish same and if he was aware of what the power arrangements were in the aforementioned jurisdictions. Mr. Gilbert in a nut-shell said nothing has fallen into our laps and then went on with a convoluted attempt at trying to answer what the other jurisdictions were doing.
I asked him - outside of construction - how many jobs were going to be created in Newfoundland and Labrador on a long-term basis. He answered 35 and 50 respectively. I asked if he knew how many jobs could be produced long-term if an aluminum smelter set up in Labrador - he acknowledged it could be over a thousand.
The chair advised my time was up but I was permitted one more question - at which point Gilbert used the raising of the eyebrows and grinny look - I asked if he had a problem? He said no and added gruffly what is your question? I thanked the panel and sat down instead. I had seen enough of this sham of a consultation process and knew if I - who had such a long history with advocacy for Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro could be treated with such disdain others would have no hope.
I listened to the presentation and I have to say there were more - 180 degree turns than I had witnessed in a while. When Nalcor and the government wanted to provide the Italian government and company with a "wind"fall by allowing privatization of wind energy - Hydro felt it was the best thing since sliced bread. Now that they "must" push this Emera deal through wind is intermittent and must be backed up - hydro is the best. You don't say Mr. Bennett - I remember the words coming out of my mouth while hydro execs were singing the wind energy tune to satisfy unknown shareholders.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador and here is why. The government cannot prove the numbers and projections it is using for power needs on the island. The projections on where energy costs may be in 2016 does not consider hydro's ability to lower costs as our current investments are paid off. The projections are the same incorrect projections used since the late 70's early 80's which would have seen our power supply exhaust in the early 1980's. This has not happened - primarily because of efficiencies, zero growth in population and the hemorrhaging of industry out of the island. I have copies of all of these projections and reports.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because it once again does not use the power to attract industry to Labrador as the basis for development. The government has not provided the media or the public with evidence that they have tried but failed to attract industry. It further takes Islanders off thermal generation but does not take Labradorians off same.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because it has us holding the debt to subsidize power to other provinces - thereby enabling our neighbours to attract industry using our power - while we are disadvantaged.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because it forever puts at risk our control of exporting power by having one side controlled by Hydro-Quebec and the other by Emera (could be sold to Hydro-Quebec).
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because it does not foresee or protect the takeover of Emera by Hydro-Quebec - even though this possibility is more real and fiction. That is if Danny Williams was telling you and I the truth when he said Hydro-Quebec would do anything to block us
The deal is bad and incomplete for Newfoundland and Labrador because Danny Williams and his government promised to find redress on the Upper Churchill before any deal on Lower Churchill and this has not been achieved.
This deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because the proper assessments of alternative use for the power have not been competed.
This deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because the permanent jobs associated with such a significant hydro development are well below acceptable standards for good social-economic policy.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because the net permanent job growth is zero. There are currently 85 people working at Holyrood - that goes to 35 loss of 50 - then 50 picked up in Labrador where there currently are zero. The only good thing here is that Labrador picks up jobs.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because we have an offshore company involved in the project on a virtually permanent basis when no such company should be needed. Particularly if we are seeking a loan guarantee.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because federal money/grants will end up going outside the province to support other jurisdictions to control power rates. This after the people fought so hard to stop privatization which would have driven our power rates through the roof the past 15 years. Now government suggests we almost double them?
Then there is this whole business of Harper and Ignatieff followed by a bunch of PC MHA's and Cabinet Ministers including the Premier and Liberals preaching to us that this project is good for Canada. We are going to contribute to the greening up of Canada. Excuse me - this must be lost on the federal leaders but it should be ingrained here. WE ARE ALREADY CONTRIBUTING 5000 MW'S OF POWER TO CANADA FROM THE UPPER CHURCHILL. Newfoundland and Labrador through this export of power represents the largest per-capita export of green energy to other provinces in the country.
The business community - the government boasts - is behind the development. When - has the business community not been behind extracting resources - regardless of whether or not it's the best deal? We have had many lopsided and bad deals on resources in this province before - each and every time business was behind it. That's because their role - particularly publicly traded companies - is not to achieve the best deal for the people - rather they are concerned about making money for their shareholders. Premier - it is your job and the job of your government to do the best deal for the people.
The Government, Premier, and Opposition leaders are responsible for doing the best deal for our province - not to make the best deal for other provinces. They have their own representatives.
The Liberal Opposition is absolutely falling hook line and sinker for the power price thing. This is put out there so that Kathy and the Willderdale government can come back with a subsidy of a few cents to complete their argument.
The truth is the whole works of them have done nothing to develop the "best deal" for the province and particularly Labrador. If they are unable to do better than this - they should let it flow until somebody has a real vision for the proper development of the tremendous resource.
Neither Gilbert Bennett, Ed Martin or the Premier are able to hold their own under scrutiny of this deal. Bennett and Martin are given direction and they follow it and the Premier or other Premier gives direction- which is incompetant at best and who knows at worst.
Ed martin was just on CBC with Debbie Cooper - now stating permanent jobs are 120? The information you are hearing is to promote this deal at all costs. Clearly it does not matter to those desperate to see it proceed - what has to be done and said to get the deal done.
Who wrote the questions for Debbie Cooper? What information and background did they have to prepare the questions? Would they agree that the questions are limited to the combined knowledge of those writing or asking the questions? Does that mean all questions are not being asked and that the interviewer may not have the knowledge to conduct a free-flow conversation. That being the case who will CBC interview on the other side of the argument? Who will represent all the interests and points of those opposed to the project? How will the viewer know that all sides have been heard?
I know the difference.
Next up the Boards of Directors associated with Nalcor. See you then.
On a side note - Kathy Dunderdale is the Premier of the province. Her job is to represent the province regardless of who may come calling. Showing up at a staged political event for the Conservative Party of Canada did nothing for Newfoundland and Labrador or her position. Her role should be to seek all she can from all major parties and their leaders. Her demonstration of odd partisanship with a party that differs significantly in ideology and with a leader that caused so much monetary damage to her own province and people is neither statesperson-like nor intelligent. This alone confims for me that she is unable to reliably or competantly complete a project the size of the Lower Churchill.
Ditto for Ms. Jones and Miss Michael.
Is there any way Russell Wangersky could take up the role of investigative journalist for this project?
Gilbert Bennett VP - Lower Churchill Nalcor delivered what can only be described as a propaganda manifesto for the Williams/Dunderdale government.
Further I am witnessing Kathy Dunderdale on her feet in the House of Assembly now repeating the propaganda and I am unsure if she actually believes or understands it.
This development is not for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador - it will not be good for Newfoundland and Labrador - and it will disadvantage both residents and businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Let me start with Mr. Bennett - who sits in his position today because I and my fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians stopped the privatization of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. He only joined Hydro in 2005 and guess what - he once worked for Cable Atlantic. The virtues and praises of the company he sings - is only possible because the people not government had a vision for our green energy.
After his prolonged and basic presentation - he took questions from the audience. Unlike the less than thorough report provided by the Telegram I and others in the audience gave him questions that he did not answer or did not answer satisfactorily.
Further - his behavior while I was asking questions was like watching a couple of school children attempting to intimidate a classmate as he and his cohort grinned and giggled and raised eyebrows as I spoke.
Mr. Bennett - number one you work for the people of this province - we are the shareholders of the company you are fortunate to have employment with. Second; for you to in any way try to make light of my questions and commentary is nothing more than a joke. We both know who did what to save the Crown Jewel - Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and the jobs with it.
To my questions:
I asked Mr. Bennett if the deal with Emera was already done - as he was presenting as if it were including the awarding of contracts to Quebec companies like SNC Lavalin. After a bit of dancing he said no.
I asked Mr. Bennett if he could tell me the difference in the cost of power produced at the Lower Churchill if all the transmission lines to the Island and to Nova Scotia were not built. After screwing around with industry numbers - we got to it and he said it was about half price.
I asked if he was aware that Norway, Iceland, Quebec, Russia, and now Greenland have established aluminum smelters and he acknowledged that he did. I then followed with why Labrador could not establish same and if he was aware of what the power arrangements were in the aforementioned jurisdictions. Mr. Gilbert in a nut-shell said nothing has fallen into our laps and then went on with a convoluted attempt at trying to answer what the other jurisdictions were doing.
I asked him - outside of construction - how many jobs were going to be created in Newfoundland and Labrador on a long-term basis. He answered 35 and 50 respectively. I asked if he knew how many jobs could be produced long-term if an aluminum smelter set up in Labrador - he acknowledged it could be over a thousand.
The chair advised my time was up but I was permitted one more question - at which point Gilbert used the raising of the eyebrows and grinny look - I asked if he had a problem? He said no and added gruffly what is your question? I thanked the panel and sat down instead. I had seen enough of this sham of a consultation process and knew if I - who had such a long history with advocacy for Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro could be treated with such disdain others would have no hope.
I listened to the presentation and I have to say there were more - 180 degree turns than I had witnessed in a while. When Nalcor and the government wanted to provide the Italian government and company with a "wind"fall by allowing privatization of wind energy - Hydro felt it was the best thing since sliced bread. Now that they "must" push this Emera deal through wind is intermittent and must be backed up - hydro is the best. You don't say Mr. Bennett - I remember the words coming out of my mouth while hydro execs were singing the wind energy tune to satisfy unknown shareholders.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador and here is why. The government cannot prove the numbers and projections it is using for power needs on the island. The projections on where energy costs may be in 2016 does not consider hydro's ability to lower costs as our current investments are paid off. The projections are the same incorrect projections used since the late 70's early 80's which would have seen our power supply exhaust in the early 1980's. This has not happened - primarily because of efficiencies, zero growth in population and the hemorrhaging of industry out of the island. I have copies of all of these projections and reports.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because it once again does not use the power to attract industry to Labrador as the basis for development. The government has not provided the media or the public with evidence that they have tried but failed to attract industry. It further takes Islanders off thermal generation but does not take Labradorians off same.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because it has us holding the debt to subsidize power to other provinces - thereby enabling our neighbours to attract industry using our power - while we are disadvantaged.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because it forever puts at risk our control of exporting power by having one side controlled by Hydro-Quebec and the other by Emera (could be sold to Hydro-Quebec).
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because it does not foresee or protect the takeover of Emera by Hydro-Quebec - even though this possibility is more real and fiction. That is if Danny Williams was telling you and I the truth when he said Hydro-Quebec would do anything to block us
The deal is bad and incomplete for Newfoundland and Labrador because Danny Williams and his government promised to find redress on the Upper Churchill before any deal on Lower Churchill and this has not been achieved.
This deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because the proper assessments of alternative use for the power have not been competed.
This deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because the permanent jobs associated with such a significant hydro development are well below acceptable standards for good social-economic policy.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because the net permanent job growth is zero. There are currently 85 people working at Holyrood - that goes to 35 loss of 50 - then 50 picked up in Labrador where there currently are zero. The only good thing here is that Labrador picks up jobs.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because we have an offshore company involved in the project on a virtually permanent basis when no such company should be needed. Particularly if we are seeking a loan guarantee.
The deal is bad for Newfoundland and Labrador because federal money/grants will end up going outside the province to support other jurisdictions to control power rates. This after the people fought so hard to stop privatization which would have driven our power rates through the roof the past 15 years. Now government suggests we almost double them?
Then there is this whole business of Harper and Ignatieff followed by a bunch of PC MHA's and Cabinet Ministers including the Premier and Liberals preaching to us that this project is good for Canada. We are going to contribute to the greening up of Canada. Excuse me - this must be lost on the federal leaders but it should be ingrained here. WE ARE ALREADY CONTRIBUTING 5000 MW'S OF POWER TO CANADA FROM THE UPPER CHURCHILL. Newfoundland and Labrador through this export of power represents the largest per-capita export of green energy to other provinces in the country.
The business community - the government boasts - is behind the development. When - has the business community not been behind extracting resources - regardless of whether or not it's the best deal? We have had many lopsided and bad deals on resources in this province before - each and every time business was behind it. That's because their role - particularly publicly traded companies - is not to achieve the best deal for the people - rather they are concerned about making money for their shareholders. Premier - it is your job and the job of your government to do the best deal for the people.
The Government, Premier, and Opposition leaders are responsible for doing the best deal for our province - not to make the best deal for other provinces. They have their own representatives.
The Liberal Opposition is absolutely falling hook line and sinker for the power price thing. This is put out there so that Kathy and the Willderdale government can come back with a subsidy of a few cents to complete their argument.
The truth is the whole works of them have done nothing to develop the "best deal" for the province and particularly Labrador. If they are unable to do better than this - they should let it flow until somebody has a real vision for the proper development of the tremendous resource.
Neither Gilbert Bennett, Ed Martin or the Premier are able to hold their own under scrutiny of this deal. Bennett and Martin are given direction and they follow it and the Premier or other Premier gives direction- which is incompetant at best and who knows at worst.
Ed martin was just on CBC with Debbie Cooper - now stating permanent jobs are 120? The information you are hearing is to promote this deal at all costs. Clearly it does not matter to those desperate to see it proceed - what has to be done and said to get the deal done.
Who wrote the questions for Debbie Cooper? What information and background did they have to prepare the questions? Would they agree that the questions are limited to the combined knowledge of those writing or asking the questions? Does that mean all questions are not being asked and that the interviewer may not have the knowledge to conduct a free-flow conversation. That being the case who will CBC interview on the other side of the argument? Who will represent all the interests and points of those opposed to the project? How will the viewer know that all sides have been heard?
I know the difference.
Next up the Boards of Directors associated with Nalcor. See you then.
On a side note - Kathy Dunderdale is the Premier of the province. Her job is to represent the province regardless of who may come calling. Showing up at a staged political event for the Conservative Party of Canada did nothing for Newfoundland and Labrador or her position. Her role should be to seek all she can from all major parties and their leaders. Her demonstration of odd partisanship with a party that differs significantly in ideology and with a leader that caused so much monetary damage to her own province and people is neither statesperson-like nor intelligent. This alone confims for me that she is unable to reliably or competantly complete a project the size of the Lower Churchill.
Ditto for Ms. Jones and Miss Michael.
Is there any way Russell Wangersky could take up the role of investigative journalist for this project?
Friday, February 11, 2011
Ottawa will give Loan Guarantee on Lower Churchill
Holding our collective breath? Ottawa will give a loan guarantee on the Lower Churchill development because Nova Scotia (Emera) therefore Peter Mackay wants our power for their own gain.
Imagine the headlines Nova Scotia MP and substitute ABC Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador convinces his boss Stephen Harper that this project is good for Canadian Unity and a "green" project to boot.
This proposed project is "green" alright - if we allow it to happen.
This will be another "pull the wool over the trusting eyes of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians" moment.
If you were a Nova Scotian and you could get security of energy supply from a renewable and have Newfoundlanders and Labradorians pay for it - what would you think?
I predict an escalator bound Kathy Dunderdale waving her arms in the air saying you know "we got it -we got it".
This means much more to Danny (passionate Newfoundlander and Labradorian) Williams than a legacy - we just need to figure out what is driving this Solid Gold idea.
Canada has us believing we are a "have" province and they used Williams to deliver their message. Sue's Blog will post something on this later today.
Now for the cynics that think Quebec might block it - nah - I predict the takeover of Emera will follow shortly thereafter meaning we will be completely controlled by Hydro-Quebec and those fortunate Emera stockholders will experience the thrill of a flip - like when Danny flipped Cable Atlantic or when Dean flipped Persona.
Imagine the headlines Nova Scotia MP and substitute ABC Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador convinces his boss Stephen Harper that this project is good for Canadian Unity and a "green" project to boot.
This proposed project is "green" alright - if we allow it to happen.
This will be another "pull the wool over the trusting eyes of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians" moment.
If you were a Nova Scotian and you could get security of energy supply from a renewable and have Newfoundlanders and Labradorians pay for it - what would you think?
I predict an escalator bound Kathy Dunderdale waving her arms in the air saying you know "we got it -we got it".
This means much more to Danny (passionate Newfoundlander and Labradorian) Williams than a legacy - we just need to figure out what is driving this Solid Gold idea.
Canada has us believing we are a "have" province and they used Williams to deliver their message. Sue's Blog will post something on this later today.
Now for the cynics that think Quebec might block it - nah - I predict the takeover of Emera will follow shortly thereafter meaning we will be completely controlled by Hydro-Quebec and those fortunate Emera stockholders will experience the thrill of a flip - like when Danny flipped Cable Atlantic or when Dean flipped Persona.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Flip this House (Utility)
First posted in 2007 by Sue's Blog - Every Time Dean speaks we should remind ourselves of the following:
I guess most of the readers are familiar with the various TV shows on flipping houses - where the buyer picks up a property - renovates and or adds an addition and flips it for a profit.
Newfoundland and Labrador has it's own new program now - called Flip this Utility. I cannot for the life of me figure out why CBC or NTV have not picked up the pilot and a couple of completed programs in the can. The least the Telegram or VOCM could do is give the reader and listener some highlights of the new series so we can encourage one of the TV networks to pick it up. I don't expect "Out of the Fog" would be interested.
The program is filled with energy as the hosts and flippers are interesting well known characters - that give it a kind of soap opera appeal - mixed with a tinge of a reality series.
The creator of the series is a well kept secret but I think it's fair to say that Brian Tobin might be the producer and the government of Newfoundland and Labrador acts as a partial financier of the renos.
Te pilot takes place in Newfoundland and Labrador when Tobin was the Premier. He decided after some encouragement by the local cable company that it was time to reno the government's communications contracts. So Tobin without an RFP or tender call picks Cable Atlantic for the investment.
Cable Atlantic picked up the government contract and away they went. Shortly after the owner of Cable Atlantic flipped the property for a tidy profit to Rogers - not a (local) company.
Dean MacDonald - Danny Williams - Ken Marshall - and Brian Tobin are featured predominantly in the pilot and the backdrop is priceless - as one of the flippers - apparently not believing that Tobin's government had done a good job became the leader of the other political party and went on to become Premier.
The second program starts off with one of the flippers of the first property picking up Persona - and while Danny is becoming Premier - Dean Macdonald leaves Rogers - the purchaser of the renovated Cable Atlantic - and starts to work on Persona. Not to be left out Brian leaves as the Premier and he ends up on the Board of the new property to be renovated and does work for the company that picked up the first flip.
The third show features all the same players - but this time the Premier who was a flipper on the first - decides government needs some reno work itself - and Persona who is ready to be the second property - just happen to come together with the same plan. So instead of going out to the market to find another property to invest in - government decides why not just deal with the same gang. No tender of RFP needed.It worked before. Same storyline - local company gets reno...
Now this episode gets real fun as the biggest communications (telephone) company Aliant experiences a real tragedy and has a fire in one of its buildings knocking out cell and telephone services far and wide. Danny - and Dean - recognizing this irony jump all over this to convince us that another reno is essential.
They send out a new character Trevor - to announce all the plans - and poor Trevor is all over the map as to exactly what it is they are doing for the reno and why. He fondly becomes known as the "duct tape man".
Then our Minister of Business Kevin O'Brien jumps in - to be honest witchu - and starts selling the audience on the real value in this property.
The audience is in for great laughs as everyone runs around trying to figure out if they want strands or a whole network or how many fibres they will need and whether or not they will light them. And if they are lit - who will do it.
The funniest part is when the neighborhood spokesperson won't reveal who is going to pay what for maintenance and the whole meeting goes up when one of the property owners asks for an administration fee to sort it out.Once again the appeal to us the audience is that another local property wants to reno and expand. Unfortunately - once again the audience is torn when the property is flipped to another company on the mainland.
Unlike the first flip where the profit details were available - the producer will keep us guessing as the real profit off this one will not be known.
The producer is not talking but the last episode might go something like this - Danny leaves as Premier - Dean takes that job - and Brian picks up a property to reno and appoints Danny to the Board. The new government under Dean will encourage reno's to that asset and will partially finance the upgrades - without a tender or RFP. I haven't heard yet if they will release the results of that flip and the profits which might accrue.
Utility Flip - coming soon - from your local cable provider.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)