Take the PC SMELL TEST

Jobs Jobs Jobs

Let's go back to the theory that a monkey can make a deal to give away natural resources.

Okay where are we?

1. Unprocessed fish
2. Unprocessed ore
3. Energy fuelling industry somewhere else
4. Unprocessed oil
5. Unused gas
6. Pulp and Paper gone gone gone - we are subsidizing what's left.

Where will this get us?

Where is the value to future generations?

Why is our population stagnant?

Why is our population aging quicker?

The PC government were screeching and bawling about natural resource giveaways in 2001-2002.

They never shut-up - Voisey's Bay - not one ounce - Grimes was giving away the Lower Churchill - they said - they moaned about the loss of fish processing. Since? Nothing. Ship it off - dig it up give it away. They talk about all the jobs being created to build the great Muskrat project - the people employed to build it won't be able to afford to pay for the power once it's done. Our great oil resources benefiting refineries everywhere but here - no processing. How about ship building - oh yeah the Tories were hot to trot on that in 2002 - how are we doing?

The media is doing what? They are great at attacking ordinary people - they come at them with a vengeance. They are running around sorting out what the NDP and Liberal policies are - without figuring out what the people who are in control of the government - right now are doing.

The most serious of questions and debate on Muskrat has all been precipitated by bloggers and letters to the editor.

My God - we are more interested in if the Libs and NDP would stop Muskrat than we are in figuring out if we even can.

There is no real critique of the Gil and Ed Executive duo. The geniuses of budgeting and project management.

I know more about when the media are getting together for a political pow wow at a club - or what type of bow-tie to expect - or who is watching what sports team than I gain knowledge from something they are writing about a real issue. I see more tweets regarding who is watching who at media conference - and who gets their names raised publicly by a politician.

So a simple question - if the government said it wanted to demolish Cabot Tower - knock down all the schools and flatten all the hospitals - would you line up for the job?

Does it really matter to you what the job is - or what it means for our future?

And here we are today sizing up Kent, Ottenheimer, and Davis - to what - become a Premier? Really? This after we sized up Coleman, Barry, and Bennett. This after the Marshall Premier pension and the Dunderdale Premier pension and the Williams Premier pension. By the time we are through the already underfunded plans will need to cover almost every Tory sitting - at the Premier's level.

The real fascination for many of the media - is "will Marjorie be attending the next swearing in"? Or will Tony the Tory ever find a kind word for the Liberals? Or the most favorite one - what does Danny think about this or that - who is Danny supporting - is Danny going to get a new hockey team? Is Danny going to rename his subdivision?Or maybe - will Len and Ross get their jobs back after the next election?

We owe our children much more than this.

Something stinks - can you smell it?

Reason for Emera not Hydro Quebec? We Will Pay!

And so the fiasco which is the Muskrat Falls deal with Emera continues.

So how about we ask the following questions:

1. Would Quebec agree to a 20-20 deal that is 20% cost = 20% power output - considering overruns would be at our cost not theirs?

2. Would the construction be cheaper with Quebec?

3. Which company would give us better opportunities into the marketplace?

4. What about the ownership of the transmission route?

In my estimation a deal with Quebec would be more beneficial and could accommodate the Gull Island component as well.

In my estimation a deal with Quebec could give us greater returns at a lower cost.

In my estimation the only thing that is really different about the two potential partners is that Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Quebec are Crown Corporations owned by the people - whereas Emera is private.

That means the rich bugs get more and the people get less.

Straight forward explanation for a disaster of a project. 

Better than all of the above - use the power in Labrador with industrial partners.

30 years of gouging so that particular interests make a fortune. That ladies and gentlemen is our history. Congratulations to the current nitwits who are facilitating the giveaway.

Is Emera deal based on a False diagnosis and Limited treatment options?

In today's Telegram - Russell Wangersky addresses an important point. "Covering all the bases" deals with assumptions and reviews.

Last week Sue's Blog asked the following question?

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

Be it Manitoba Hydro or Navigant - in completing an "independent" review - they were restricted by defined options and defined assumptions.

I have no doubt that I and many other interested individuals - if tasked with the same body of work - would come back with the same conclusions.

If you have inaccurate assumptions going in you may have an inaccurate finding coming out.

Then based on the possible inaccurate conclusions you then present two possible options for resolving what may be non-existent problem.

Wangersky's column starts to deal with this mess.

Let's compare this to a health issue. A patient presents to a physician with a distended stomach. The physician proceeds to measure the stomach - touch the affected area - and question the patient on how they are feeling.

From there the physician says you have a tumor and here are your two options. We can cut it out - or we can radiate. The physician then spends significant time explaining the potential risks and side-affects of each treatment. From there the patient is asked to make a decision.

The patient instead asks the doctor to get a second opinion. The physician sends to a second and third physician the conclusions and treatment options. The other doctors are advised that no other treatment options can be considered and the original findings of a tumor have to be accepted based on the tests of the original physician.

The following problems exist:

1. The diagnosis was based on a limited number of tests and therefore may not be sufficient to determine the real cause of the distended stomach.

2. The treatment may be inappropriate as the problem and causes were incorrectly diagnosed.

3. Even if the diagnosis of a tumor was accurate - limiting the choice of treatment options does not allow another doctor to recommend a treatment that may be superior to the other two and may in fact cause less distress and provide a better health outcome for the patient.

This is exactly the problem we have here.

Sue's Blog - does have a recommendation for an independent review - Stay tuned for next post.

One by One - What did Danny Williams mean?

"Mr. Speaker, would the Premier confirm what was told to the private meeting in Labrador, that at the end of construction of this multi-billion development of our resource, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will only get fifty - fifty, Mr. Speaker - long-term jobs while Quebec will use more of our cheap power to create thousands of new jobs for Quebecers?"

The above statement was made by Danny Williams in the House of Assembly when he was the Leader of the Opposition.

Please advise the public of Newfoundland and Labrador what you meant by this question?

What long-term jobs will Newfoundland and Labrador get after the construction of the Muskrat Falls project?

How many long-term jobs will be created in Nova Scotia?


What have you done any differently with this Emera Deal?

What exactly were you opposing Mr. Williams?

What were you implying?

What is the percentage of long-term jobs for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians compared to what will be created for Nova Scotians?

Will the media ask these questions? It is for the record right?

Say no to Emera Deal while you still can!

I have heard from people all over Newfoundland and Labrador who are against the Emera deal.

The big question is how do we stop this deal when Kathy Dunderdale and her government are moving ahead while ignoring the concerns of anybody who is opposed?

Start by signing the Petition CLICK HERE

Please send this address to any one you know is opposed to the deal or is not satisfied with lack of communication on the deal.

Let's get Simple on Muskrat

Show me how we are going to need the increase in power projected for the Island.

Show me.

By all means - all PC supporters welcomed to explain - especially MHA's.

Watch out for the NDP on Muskrat Falls - Here's Why

The United Steel Workers of America - Toronto - $20,000 to the NDP NL - the largest single donation to any party in 2010.

The United Steel Workers Union - Etobicoke - $20,000 to the NDP NL - the largest single donation to any party in 2009.

The UFCW International Union CLC - Washington DC - $10,000 - tied for the largest single donation to any political party 2008.

I will say this - to give away Muskrat Falls for short term jobs and no long term industrial jobs in Labrador is not acceptable. This certainly calls into question - how the NDP will position themselves on the Muskrat Falls issue - when these unions want construction and service work.

Maybe that's why most of us are confused on where the NDP stands on the issue. We do know that the NDP in Nova Scotia is for it and we do know that the federal NDP support it - so Lorraine Michael is going to have to state her position clearly.

What makes matters worse is that in 2007 the burden of labour contributions to the NDP NL fell to local unions - however that has since moved to the national and international unions.

Muskrat Red Flags - why Dunderdale must be STOPPED

Nova Scotians appear happier with the Emera-Muskrat deal than Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are told their power bills will rise astronomically but even without Muskrat that would happen anyway. This has not been proven and is based on significant speculation and non-facts.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are told without Muskrat Falls development the Island would run out of power in the next few years. This has not been proven and follows a series of incorrect predictions on power supply over the past 30 years. Further as the population continues to decrease and industry continues to fold the real facts defy and are in contradiction to the predictions of government. Energy efficiencies are also not considered appropriately.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are told Muskrat is the "best" option for power for the Island. This has been questioned successfully by many experienced and knowledgeable people - yet there is no believable response from  Nalcor or government.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are told that Nova Scotia will receive cheaper power from the project than they will. Somehow this is necessary to build markets. Why would any government charge its own people double to supply other jurisdictions with subsidized power?

Labradorians are told that bringing the power to the Island to remove some thermal generation is affordable but bringing it to other parts of Labrador is not affordable. In other words Labrador resources robbed again without equitable treatment.

The massive project will not generate significant numbers of long-term high paying jobs for Labradorians but may provide those jobs instead to Nova Scotia.

The project is touted by the government to be a solution to the longstanding issues regarding wheeling power through Quebec. Yet the costly lines being built will not have the capacity to take Gull Island power. That's when Dunderdale and Martin start talking about the right to go through Quebec again. This defeats the first stated objective of avoiding Quebec.

If a federal loan guarantee is available for the Muskrat project - and markets exist in the US and Canada - why do we need to give free power to Emera for a line? Let the market pay for it not the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has not demonstrated that they were unable to achieve a deal with an industrial customer in Labrador for the power development. This despite the aluminum smelter deals in Quebec, Iceland, Greenland, Russia, Norway etc. based on hydro-electric developments.

There are many red flags - more than were obvious during the Upper Churchill yet some 35 years later - this government is willing to do a deal that is worse than the Upper Churchill. Stop this deal - stop the Dunderdale government.

Don`t forget - this government has been unable to forecast oil and revenues accurately on an annual basis -let alone 20 years out.

Dunderdale=Giveaway of Resources=Cheap power for Nova Scotia=Loss of our Future

The Population of the Province is down again from last year.

Where's the need for power?

Industry gone - people continue to go - where's the increase?

There will continue to be a loss of people - go to Nova Scotia for cheaper power rates and industry being developed there.

If you are looking for ship building - go to Nova Scotia.

If you are looking to fish - go to Iceland or go to China for processing jobs.

If you are looking for industry like pulp and paper, smelting, aerospace, auto sector, just move to Ontario and Quebec.

If Muskrat goes ahead - we will have set ourselves on a path of no return. All will be lost.

Dunderdale said last night in the debate that nobody has been able to show them where their figures are wrong.

Is their prediction on oil prices 20 years out - a fact?

Are their predictions regarding "need" for new power facts?

What a joke.

I can say that - although oil kept us away from most recessionary problems - doubling electricity rates will cripple business and industry and poison discretionary spending by consumers. It may very well cause a local recession.

The Premier also forgot the criticisms of the Independent Review Panel. Did they question anything?

The only scary thing in this election is the Muskrat Falls deal. It must be stopped.

The best comment in the debate was from Aylward when he suggested the Ms. Dunderdale should be the Premier of Nova Scotia. That was appropriate based on the Muskrat deal proposed.

Everybody is wrong except Nalcor, PC Cabinet, and Navigant.

Be prepared Newfoundland and Labrador - wait until Hydro HAS to be privatized and Gull Island will have to be developed by private interests. Of course they will also claim this new power will have to go through Quebec. Sold out!

How much time did the Premier spend talking about the benefits to Labrador?

The Overpass Syndrome in Reverse - Rural NL taking back the Power

This election is starting to get real interesting. The Overpass syndrome is starting to reverse. Rural Newfoundland and Labrador is starting to move toward "it's our turn", and so it is.

You see the PC's and NDP can fight it out in St. John's Metro while rural districts can win the day by voting Liberal. The platforms are gearing up and policies are coming out. For rural communities and districts the message from the Liberals and leader Kevin Aylward is that it's time for oil wealth to be used to revitalize the rest of the province. It's time to deal with the fishery, the paper-mills, mining, renewable energy, and tourism.

If rural Newfoundland and Labrador wants to reverse the trend of outmigration, chronic unemployment, loss of industry, and diminishing services in health and education - then they vote Liberal and invest the oil wealth outside of St. John's Metro. With six percent unemployment in St. John's Metro and over twenty-five per cent in other regions there are plenty of reasons to take control of the seats in the House of Assembly.

From a Labrador perspective, the Lower Churchill could be focused on industrial development and clean hydro for all the Big Land with revenues generated to be spent primarily on an adjacent basis.
Labrador could reach it's real potential and not continually be hearing - we'll get you next time around. When one thinks that Muskrat Falls is being developed to remove Holyrood and provide Nova Scotia with cheaper power - Labradorians are hard pressed to see that anything has changed. The truth is Labrador should not allow anymore development of its hydro resources unless they get at least 10 permanent jobs a megawatt. Labrador will get the temporary construction jobs regardless of what the deal is - they need a longer term agenda. This is something they might get under the Liberals this time around.

The Tories cannot demonstrate the need for Muskrat - at least not for the need they suggest. The Tories are routinely telling people and groups to go away, stop getting on talk-show programs, stop protesting, do as we say, do not oppose, and if you want anything do not speak against us. The Tories are pointing accusatory fingers when the Liberals promise a needed increase for public service pensioners but do not at all question how they spend and on what. The Tories have abandoned the fishery, abandoned the paper towns, abandoned rural communities, abandoned ordinary Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, abandoned the Big Land, and increased cronyism and the public service by 20 per cent.

Yes the time for the overpass syndrome to be reversed is now - and I believe it may just happen. There's nothing better for arrogance than a swift kick by rural Newfoundland and the Big Land.

Ed Martin - Surprised and Disappointed at the Tone of the Panel Report on Lower Churchill

The President of Nalcor says he is "surprised and disappointed" at the tone of the Review Panel report. Well Ed Martin that's tough!

There are many people in this province - who for varying reasons - oppose the Muskrat deal and are disappointed in you and sidekicks like Gil Bennett. People we pay - who show utter contempt toward anybody who asks legitimate questions.

I have spent my adult life researching the hydro-electricity assets in our province - and voluntarily shared with people my findings and opinions on the development of such resources. I attended one of the sessions of the Review Panel and attempted to ask questions of Nalcor. Gilbert Bennett, Vice President - Lower Churchill, Nalcor responded by smirking and giggling/whispering to another sidekick at the table - and then answering in a manner using industrial language; in an attempt to sound or feel superior to the questioner.

I am neither surprised or disappointed in the "tone" of the report. It reflects a couple of things; the truth and vindication for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who had legitimate concerns about this project.

Nalcor failed to justify this development based on their own reasoning for doing it. Nalcor failed and continues to fail in its explanations to the ratepayers/people of the province. Nalcor failed in separating itself from the partisan reasons for doing the project.

Kathy Dunderdale, Premier appointed of the province failed and continues to fail to understand the project herself. Her public commentaries are weak and demonstrate her ignorance regarding the history and potential future of these tremendous hydro assets. The Premier in her zealotry to deliver Danny's baby (Muskrat) is actually managing to turn these valuable assets into unsustainable liabilities. Unfortunately this one project is so important to our future - that the electorate must remove her from office - in order to avoid the catastrophic damage it would cause to our economy over the life of the deal.

I encourage people to read the entire report of the Panel - in order that they see how damning it actually is. The exercise of reading a few hundred pages is probably one of the best things you could do for your children, grandchildren, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minister Shawn Skinner should not ignore the information provided by the Panel and should not ignore genuine concerns of people - who for non-partisan reasons - are willing to participate in this process.

Next week - Shawn Skinner will be a guest on Randy Simms Open-Line program and I have an important question for him. The people want to know how do we develop our resources in a manner that makes the people not companies or a few millionaires the primary beneficiaries. Further the questions about the price of power are uppermost in the minds of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians - particularly the most economically vulnerable in our society. It is clear to me that the Premier and her Ministers are not competent when discussing the very basic issues regarding this deal - let alone the complexities of an overall vision for our future through the use of such valuable resources.

I look forward to asking a question of Minister Skinner - and I trust he will have the answer. If not I trust the people will see through the spin and understand that this resource should be left for more visionary and competent people to develop. The next 50 years depends on that.

Please sign the petition to stop the Emera deal. PRESS HERE

Why Kathy Dunderdale and the government must be stopped this October

Why the Emera deal will not work and will leave us bankrupt. What the politicians and "experts" will not tell you. Press Here

Kevin Noble thinks Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will listen to Joey twice

I am absolutely shocked at the lows to which Kevin Noble will sink.

He just finished his expected call to Paddy Daley on Back-Talk and actually said he was doing a "Joey", by saying he was reducing the information to the simplest possible and then just repeat it and repeat it and people will follow.

Let me guess Kevin what's next - "These are our falls, this is our power, this is our resource".

Yes Kevin - the one and only thing you got right was the comparison to Joey and the Upper Churchill.

Both deals are devastating giveaways and make certain people rich - while Newfoundland and Labrador gets a very short end of the stick.

Then the actor tried to link the development of Muskrat Falls to a parking lot - and although we only have one space now - beware in the future we will own the lot. Yes I must say that is exactly the logic used on the Upper Churchill.

Outside of my obvious disgust at political prostitution - Noble actually managed to prove that this deal is the same as the Upper Churchill - while trying to promote the project for government.

In this case Kevin your acting skills failed you. Try again.

Prove your Case on Muskrat Minister Skinner - stop Labelling Critics

Today I listened to some of what Minister Shawn Skinner had to say on Back Talk with Pete Soucy.

The Minister was calling to refute what an earlier caller had said regarding the development of Muskrat Falls. I did not hear that caller.

The Minister prefaced his commentary by saying that there are those who do not want to see Muskrat Falls developed and those that agree with government.

This is an insulting and ignorant comment to make.

Minister there are many people - and I am one - who are not fundamentally opposed to developing the Lower Churchill Falls assets. We disagree - however - with the proposal that this government has brought forth.

There are those who believe that the marketplace is not right for development, those who believe the market is right but the partnership is wrong, and those who believe that this power should be developed for use in Labrador - particularly to develop significant industry.

All of these positions are valid - as is the position of one who believes that the Lower Churchill should not be developed for hydro-electric power.

What we all need to do is weigh the positives and negatives of all options and try to establish through reason and due consideration being given to all citizens - the best possible approach.

First - the majority if not all the current sitting government members do not have enough knowledge - acquired through good old hard work and researching such a decision without prejudice, without partisan political zealotry, and with due consideration of genuine criticisms. Unfortunately this has not been done. Minister Skinner - an otherwise rational, reasonable, and self-directed individual - has been reduced to you are either for or agin Government.

The Government has not yet made up its mind as to why this particular development is proceeding.

Examples:

1. We want to contribute to the greening up of Canada.
2. We need the power on the Island.
3. We need to help Atlantic Canada grow stronger as a region.
4. It's a good deal for the Crown Corporation - owned by the people - for future revenues.
5. It allows us to avoid Quebec and Hydro-Quebec.


And no - it's not for all these reasons - they have tried to sell this swamp in Georgia the same way they sold the Fibre Optic fiasco.

The Government routinely and unfairly labels those who have real reasons for opposing the deal. They unfairly categorize all parties that have shown longstanding commitment to natural resource developments - and in particular hydro-electric resources and who disagree with this proposal.

The same PC party fought vehemently against the Clyde Wells administration when privatization of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro was proposed. They fought the process, they fought the logic or lack thereof, they fought the lack of transparency, they fought the lack of debate, and they fought the same officials they are now using to promote their own idea.

It is somehow acceptable to shove this inferior proposal down the throats of Newfoundland and Labrador - now that it's a PC deal?

It's somehow acceptable to thwart real debate and discussion on the proposal?

It's somehow acceptable to have hydro-officials act in a juvenile manner when members of the public are asking questions at a public hearing process. If this administration could do this without legislated environmental and social assessment processes - they would.

This is a government who has not proven its case. They have not proven the need for the power. They have not proven the markets. They have not proven the cost of the power. They have not proven this is the best deal for the development.

Further the idea that Newfoundland and Labrador has not already contributed more per-capita to greening up Canada with its donation of 5000 MW's of power from the Upper Churchill - is one that continues to insult the people of this province who continue to pay dearly for such a failed agreement.

They have failed to prove that a deal with Hydro-Quebec would not be better for the province - and that further they have failed to deliver a promise of redress on the Upper Churchill.

They have failed to provide a reason that they are unable to develop markets for this resource in Labrador. If power is to be subsidized by the taxpayers - as is proposed to deliver power to Emera - would it be better to subsidize industry in Labrador?

They have not and will not address that every other comparable geographic region with hydro-potential has attracted industry - except Labrador.

Minister Skinner - prove your case.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watt's Up Minister Skinner

While we are hard at work in Newfoundland and Labrador getting rid of everything and anything renewable - Hydro-Quebec is humming along. Minister Skinner you should read this because you Sir had an opportunity to embrace and develop the same sort of partnership. Watt's Up?

Not only did Hydro Quebec embrace the Mitsubishi challenge to introduce the Mitsubishi i-MiEV's to its operations and businesses in Quebec - but now this (story from the Canada Business Review)

Hydro-Québec and partners announced the creation of “The Electric Circuit,” Canada’s first public charging network for plug-in electric vehicles. Expected to be in operation in early 2012, the charging stations will be at founding partners’ business sites and several AMT facilities.
The project will originally consist of approximately 100 240-V charging stations. Additional quick charge 400-V stations will also be distributed in 2012 after achieving Canadian certification.
“We are proud to be able to count on partners of this caliber whose banners can be seen at over 900 locations in Québec. These are solid, well-established companies that, like Hydro-Québec, put a high priority on sustainable development, customer satisfaction and growth in electric vehicle use,” said  Hydro-Québec CEO Thierry Vandal. “While the vast majority of recharging will be done at home and at work, the availability of a public charging network is essential to meet customers’ backup or emergency needs.”

The Dunderdale government should really reflect on the legacy of shame Emera deal - before Newfoundland and Labrador loses what's left.

The Lower Churchill Project could lead to loss of Sovereignty

Sovereignty you question? Yes Sovereignty!

Unfortunately we voted ourselves out of complete independence when we "joined" Canada. However there is still this little small item remaining that of a province.

You and I have listened to musings of creating one Atlantic Province called Atlantica. Many business people and some politicians have really entertained this.

From a business perspective - many elite billionaires dream about the super province wherein the resources of Newfoundland and particularly Labrador can be stripped from this geography and delivered to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for processing and wealth. A corporate dream that would see Newfoundlanders and Labradorians flock to work in the Maritime region - leaving the province with no specific purpose other than camps of workers to extract resource after resource and the power to fuel industry will come from Labrador and delivered to the new Maritime business mecca. Almost like Great Britain when it sent fishermen for a season but would not allow settlement.

If you cannot imagine this - then you could not have imagined we would give up our Dominion status and sell-out to the mighty Canada. But - it did happen.

Since that time we have not enjoyed steady population and industrial growth - rather we have had decimation of resource after resource - and the decimation of our rural communities and population of youth.

We have seen naive politicians make deal after deal with global corporations - that always placed the needs of our people last. We have never enjoyed full benefit from any resource we have exploited.

Our history is in the fishery - but the fishery is almost dead - this after turning management over to Ottawa. This was a renewable resource - a food basket of the world - now it is a just a fraction of what it once was. Remember in 1992 it was only to take 10 years to recover - where is that recovery? Where are the 40,000 people it took with it? Where are the communities? Where are the fishplants? Disgrace!

Then there was the mines - the great wealth of minerals - hauled out truck by truck ship by ship train by train to be processed elsewhere - taking the high paying jobs and skilled workers with it. Communities stripped of their wealth without an heritage fund - left with nothing but a polluted place. Disgrace!

Our forestry - almost stripped bare - and then as we finally forced reforestation and sustainable harvesting - we lost the industry it fuelled. Two paper mills gone. Discrace!

Lastly our power - the tremendous Upper Churchill potential lost to generations of our people - nothing to show for it - not industry - not jobs. Where parts of Labrador continue to rely on thermal generation and not an aluminum smelter in sight. 5000 mw's fuelling the Quebec economy and fuelling Hydro-Quebec the most powerful of power companies. For years losing equalization based on revenues we could not even collect.

Now Dunderdale and the Tories feel compelled to export another block of power - this time subsidizing it for Nova Scotia and others - while not delivering this power to all of Labrador - and not one MW for industry in the Big Land. Dunderdale claiming she is willing to listen to real arguments opposed to the Emera giveaway - but as Danny would say "nothing could be further from the truth". Dunderdale drilling down with due diligence so she may be all over a file - she does not have a real clue about.

Tell me something Ms. Dunderdale - who or what is the Atlantica Centre for Energy ?

What of the description:

The Atlantica Centre for Energy is an industry association dedicated to the sustainable growth and economic development of the regional energy sector. Originally centered in southwestern New Brunswick, the Centre's board has expanded to include leading energy professionals and national professional services companies in Maine, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador and Ontario.
The Centre serves as a bridge between corporations and the community to help realize the opportunities associated with the energy sector in Atlantic Canada and the American Northeast. It provides a meeting ground for government, the education and research sectors, and the community at large to foster partnerships and engagement in energy-related issues and policy development.

Who is benefiting from power found in Labrador? Why would that be fuelling an Atlantica vision? How is it we benefit by creating wealth outside our province?

How about their vision for the Lower Churchill found HERE

I can tell you this Premier Dunderdale and Cabinet - what you are doing with the Lower Churchill will make the architects of the Upper Churchill look like patriots to this province and her people. Are you that naive - or are you that involved?

Again I remain amazed at the PC members so willing to become part of this - the worst giveaway in our history - the day we sold our province.

The Perfect Storm Dunderdale/Smallwood - Stop the Carnage

Today I write one of the most somber thoughts - I have ever had.

I am very afraid for Newfoundland and Labrador. The perfect political storm is forming and if we - as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians - do not take severe and immediate action - our place may be lost.

Kathy Dunderdale inherited the post of Premier - and since the swearing in she has shown everything but leadership. Yes her ego is doing quite well - she seems to enjoy being the woman in power - but only in controlled and friendly environments. Dunderdale is uncomfortable dealing with the people - and she prefers not to do it.

The media and ordinary citizens are the enemy and she must find "friends" in other places.

Dunderdale relies on being recognized by people like Harper and Oil executives and relies on people like Ed Martin (Nalcor) to remind her that she is strong and doing the right things.

Hard to know how she is doing with Cabinet - these MHA's are so desperate to keep a portfolio - that otherwise independent people are making absurd excuses for policy failures.

Either Kathy Dunderdale is a complete political fraud or she is completely incompetent. You see Kathy Dunderdale hung off Danny's every word and move. She supported his position that unelected Premiers should not do major resource deals. She fought hard for that while in Opposition. Dunderdale basked in Danny's glory as he lowered flags, took on the feds, and politically condemned Harper. When Danny asked - she walked with Siobhan Coady door to door - to make the point that Harper must not be trusted and if he ever got a majority - Canada - particularly Newfoundland and Labrador would be in trouble. When Danny spoke - Kathy backed him up - she would call talk shows and reiterate Danny's points and talk about his greatness. When Danny bailed on our health care system and treated his illness in the USA - she was sent out to take the awkward questions and defend his decision. While she took over the Premier's role during Williams's recovery - she did nothing to change the course.

Then Kathy became Premier - and realized that she was the boss. If you think Williams was vindictive and vengeful - look out world - here comes Kathy.

The only problem is - her anger is toward the people. She adopted Williams dictatorial style without having his abilities or education (formal or street). If we are to believe Williams - the very first thing Kathy did as she took office is cut the former Premier off. For what purpose? Dunderdale hung on every word and action of Williams and now - he is not worthy of advice?

If Williams is to be believed - he recently stated publicly that hydro power from Labrador should have the right to go through Quebec and he felt this should be accomplished to allow this province to have the best opportunity to benefit from these resources. What is going on? Do we know anything really about this proposed development in the Big Land? The answer is no.

I have listened to Kathy Dunderdale speak on the Lower Churchill several times and she simply does not know enough on this potential to make decisions. Then we have to rely on the "experts" she relies on. What experts? The bureaucrats that would like to see hydro privatized? Nalcor executives who appear annoyed at having to answer questions? The companies that stand to gain short and long-term fortunes from the resource? One thing is for sure - Dunderdale is not listening to the people and she is ignoring many citizens of varying backgrounds who are warning - that this deal is bad - very bad.

Then there is Kathy's new appreciation, respect and adulation of Stephen Harper.

This picture says it all. 

 

 

You see - this is not possible if you believe that Kathy actually believed and stood by Danny in his assessment of Harper. If she simply went along with Williams and was opposed to the ABC campaign - then she would have asked you and me to support ABC under false pretences.

Stephen Harper will only provide a loan guarantee to this province if it benefits other provinces. In fact the decimation of Newfoundland and Labrador resources to the benefit of other jurisdictions suits Harper just fine. This is how it has always been in Canada - and under Harper it will get worse.

Tonight as Dunderdale speaks to Harper - she may very well get the reversal on the closure of the marine rescue sub-centre - and this to keep the relationship intact long enough to rid Labrador of its industrial future.

The Emera deal is happening under very similar conditions to that of the Upper Churchill fiasco. A leader - Kathy Dunderdale - like Smallwood - who was satisfied to get compliments from those in the world of the corporate elite.

1. Joey sold the water rights in order to promote national unity and further secure Newfoundland's place in Canada. Kathy in essence is promoting the same ideas.

2. Joey quote:
“Our danger, so it seems to me, is that of nursing delusions of grandeur. We remember the stories of small states that valiantly preserved their national independence and developed their own proud culture, but we tend to overlook the fact that comparison of Newfoundland with them is ludicrous. We are not a nation. We are merely a medium size municipality, a mere miniature borough of a large city.”

Kathy has this mentality and believes we need others to develop and control our resources. This is the same thinking that went into the Upper Churchill.

* Just a quick note - Iceland - is doing just fine after the global economic meltdown and will probably fair better than fellow European nations.

3. Joey's continued assertion that the Upper Churchill deal was a good one, good for Canada, good for Newfoundland (Labrador), he'd say these are our resources, this is our falls, this is our water. Kathy is doing the same thing and once again we are heading for a catastrophic giveaway of our resources and worse dragging us into debt - which is not sustained by the market but rather by you and me on our power bills.

4. They both also harped on the tens of thousands of person-hours of work that will be created during construction. This was good for the companies that made a killing off the development and then walked away money in pocket - and shag Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Are we expecting businesses that stand to gain tens of millions - hundreds of millions are going to oppose the development? No they are going to cheer it on. They are not responsible for the future of our province. They are not responsible for the well being of our people and communities.

Naivety and personal satisfaction ruled the deal for Joey and it is ruling the deal for Kathy.

The media is not showing any real interest in the fact that we have no proof that this is a good deal - and that other options were considered. We remain absent of the proof that the Lower Churchill could not be developed for industrial development in Labrador. We have been told for years that industry demands subsidized power rates from such a development. Even if that is true - we are now going to subsidize power to Nova Scotia without one long-term industrial job created. If we are willing to subsidize lower power rates - are we not better off subsidizing it for long term jobs in Labrador?

There is no question that we are on the road to repeat one of the worst resource deals in history. If we allow Dunderdale to continue - we will repeat the Upper Churchill contract.

The only difference nowadays is that social media allows people to have their objections posted - recorded on line for the next generation to view. Sadly being able to say "I told you so" will provide little solace to our children.

What will you do to stop this disaster?
How many times must resources from this province benefit everybody but us?
How many times will the rest of Canada reap the lions share of benefits from our resources?

Do you believe any companies made fortunes from our fishery? What have we to show for it?
Do you believe any companies made fortunes from our minerals? What have we to show for it?
Do you believe any companies made fortunes from the Upper Churchill? What have we to show for it?
Do you believe any companies made fortunes from our Forests? What have we to show for that?

Despite our great wealth in natural resources - arguably more per capita than any other jurisdiction in North America; why has our population remained stagnant and aging? Why do our people have to leave to find gainful employment?

What happened to our shipyard? What's happening with Marystown? What happened to the federal ship-building contract? What happened to Bell Island? Where is our iron ore processed?

Please stop this carnage.

Dunderdale says of critics on Muskrat Falls Deal "working hard to find the few flaws"

Premier Dunderdale is a political fraud. Very simple - as she opens her mouth and inserts two feet in.

The Premier says we - the critics of the Muskrat Falls deal - are "working to find the few flaws". This while addressing the Oil Conference happening in St. John's today.

Dunderdale is ignorant and that is extremely dangerous for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Inheriting the title Premier - gives her a right to diminish the FREE public service many of us have been involved in for over two decades.

While trying to insult and degrade the people she serves and who pay her salary - she ironically provides a compliment.

The Premier must be in pretty bad shape when she resorts to "insulting" rather that "debating" to silence her critics.

Dunderdale should learn this lesson. As Premier she should encourage, welcome, and thank those citizens that are "working" to find flaws in the Muskrat Falls deal. That means we give a damn about our place and give a damn about future generations.

Kathy Dunderdale as Premier - the most powerful position in the Province stands and speaks to corporate executives - some of which are the most powerful people in business and takes potshots at people who are not present for the address and receives applause from those wanting to rid the people of their resources for maximum gain.

A corporation can be forgiven for the cheap and cowardice behavior - they represent their shareholders and have a fiduciary duty to make them money. They in no way are responsible for the betterment of our people and our communities. That's your job Premier - and you'll have a hard time of it if you continue to attack your own people in favour of large offshore corporations, other provinces, and Stephen Harper.

Dunderdale is setting a very poor example for your children and mine. By using an imbalance of power to assert her position - the Premier is actually a bully.

Sadly the Premier is actually targeting the people she has sworn to represent.

Without her power - she might actually have to appear in front of ordinary Newfoundlanders and Labradorians like you and me. Then she might actually have to debate with the owners of the resources - she is so flippantly giving away. On equal terms our Premier would be lost - and I assure you the applause she is receiving from the corporate elite might be replaced with disdain and disgust from the people who elected her party to govern.

If stripped of her position tomorrow - would she so freely attack others behind their backs? If stripped of her power tomorrow - would she so freely try to rid others of their gainful employment? If stripped of her power tomorrow - who would she be? Dunderdale might just find out in October. As for those Cabinet Ministers and backbenchers who are silenced either by ignorance or hopes of personal gain (cabinet post) - you should really sit back and reflect. Is this really worth it? What will your grandchildren think?

As for finding flaws - let's hope we do - those few flaws in the Upper Churchill have certainly been costly.

Ask Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter if you have permission to talk to your people.

Hydropower and Industrial Development - why We FAIL when Others SUCCEED

 Please take the time to read this short article below published by Economy Watch and the commentary following regarding Hydro-Quebec and your MHA's.

Hydropower development and economic progress are closely interlinked. The development of hydropower in Norway propelled its industrial and economic development.


A staggering 19% of the total global energy production is derived from hydropower, which refers to the process of generating electricity by using water. The five countries that account for more than half of the world’s hydropower production are Brazil, Canada, China, Russia and the US.

Experts acknowledge the striking correlation between hydropower development and a country’s economic development. Norway, one of Europe’s poorest countries a century ago, is today a highly industrialized, self-reliant and wealthy nation. Nearly 99% of Norway’s electricity supply comes from the electricity generated by its hydropower plants, which have a total capacity of 27,000 MW. The development of hydropower in Norway is believed to have propelled growth, economic development and overall expansion. The country’s current expansion efforts focus on moving from technical excellence in hydropower to capacity building. 

On March 14, 2008, the Norwegian government proposed measures to gain public control of the country’s hydropower production plants and assets to ensure that hydropower concessions that are granted to other private companies will revert back to the state itself on expiry of the concessions. This will enable public ownership of hydropower assets in Norway in perpetuity.



Norway as you know is also a major oil and gas producer - almost all of which they export. See more below.


Norway is the world's sixth-largest oil exporter and second-largest gas exporter (2010), providing much of western Europe's crude oil and gas requirements. In 2009, Norwegian oil and gas exports accounted for approximately 50% of total exports. In addition, offshore exploration and production have stimulated onshore economic activities. In 2009, over 27% of state revenues were generated from the petroleum industry; taxes and direct ownership ensure high revenues. Foreign companies, including many American ones, participate actively in the petroleum sector. The oil industry directly employs roughly 40,000 people in core extraction activities. Over 250,000 are employed in petroleum-related activities.

Newfoundland and Labrador has over 10% of the national production yet - where is the industrial development. It has been exported to outside the province for industrial development primarily to Quebec. In that province Hydro-Quebec plays a key role in the industrial development, job creation, and societal advancement - whereas in Newfoundland and Labrador people like Ed Martin are incapable or have no interest in such things. Every morning Thierry Vandel CEO of Hydro-Quebec eats competition like Ed Martin CEO for Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro - for breakfast. There is no comparison!

Quebec governments have a vision for their people and a vision of industrial development and superiority in the marketplace. By comparison - most of our MHA's do not know if hydropower is fit to eat - so they ship it out to let somebody else try it. That is why we cannot compete or deal with Hydro-Quebec. Political naivety by developing power for business not society as a whole and by not employing the best minds we have to negotiate and develop such tremendous resources. Kathy Dunderdale spends plenty of time selling this Legacy of Shame project to the corporate world and no time selling it to us - the owners.

Next post - the aluminum embarassment - and the price Labradorians have had to pay. Stay tuned.