Incompetence of Premier, Govt., Martin and Nalcor Executive

In 1971, _________ created __________ which is a subsidiary of ___________. With over 30 years' experience in large-scale projects, ____________ offers a complete range of services in generation and transmission plant engineering, project management and construction.

Over the years, _______ has also developed particular expertise in remote areas and multicultural environments, as evidenced by its role as prime contractor for one of the largest hydroelectric developments in the world— ___________ of northern ____________—which supplies over 50% of the electricity generated by ___________. This was further demonstrated in the _______________, where ___________ personnel constructed a 220-kV transmission line at altitudes of 4,000 metres or more. Every project presents major challenges, and ____________ has the qualified people to meet them.

Part of the considerable know-how __________ has accumulated over the years rests on the solid relationships it has forged with the people affected by its projects. Developing business partnerships and working in close cooperation with the ________, __________, and ________ communities, for example, as well as working to maximize regional economic spinoffs all attest to __________ expertise in this area.

As master builders, __________ personnel are high-calibre professionals. A multidisciplinary team oversees the completion of every phase of a project, from draft-design, detail engineering, procurement and construction management to environmental monitoring and follow-up.

For ________ clients, the benefits are clear—30 years of experience in managing and completing large-scale construction projects in the energy industry, on schedule and within budget.

Can you fill in the blanks? Answers HERE

If the answers included Nalcor - then we might be okay. If Ed Martin was Thierry Vandal and Gilbert Bennett was Real Laporte then overruns would not be considered "normal" and "expected".

The people of Newfoundland and Labrador deserve competence to be "normal" and "expected". To make matters worse - the nit-wits responsible for mismanagement are not replaced - fired.

You see if Nalcor and the government of Newfoundland and Labrador had sought the advice of Hydro Quebec we might have expected the project to be on-time and on-budget; we might have expected that real customers would be found; we would have expected our energy rates to be stable; we would have expected major industry to consume power and create LONG-term jobs.

Danny - Kathy - and the Tories played the Hydro-Quebec fear and hate card and as a result we have a mess - and our children will have a worse mess. We had "experts" remember - the best "experts" remember?

If an 800 million overrun has become "normal" and "expected" it's time to change our attitudes and our government.

Fire the Nalcor Executive and call an election.

Province's MHAs pale in Comparison to Business Leaders

As we review the performance of the people involved, impacted by and/or responsible for the proposed Muskrat Falls development - big business shines.

If we as people had MHA's who performed close to the level of big business in representing their shareholders interests - we would not be considering this Muskrat Falls fiasco.

If a business has any opportunity to get it on an 8 billion dollar spend - the decsion gate is clear.

Let's look at what it considers:

1. Can the business make any money on this venture?
2. How much money can the business make on this venture?
3. How many years can the business profit from working on or for this project?
4. What will the business cost be to deliver product, service, manufacture or consulting to the project?
5. What will be the increase in the value of a share and therefore the value of the business?

Let's look at what it does not consider:

1.  Who is paying the bill? (other than if the party was not creditworthy)
2. How will it impact this community or that community?
3. Are the owners of the natural resource getting value from the proposed deal?
4. How will this proposed project affect the province's debt?
5. How many long-term jobs will be created for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians?

This is why I am not concerned or surprised that businesses around the province and the country are supporting the proposed development.

I am concerned about the mindset of our MHA's who are there to represent us - the people.

Let's look at what they should consider:

1. Who is paying the bill?
2. How will it impact the ratepayer, taxpayer, and shareholder of the resource?
3. How many long-term jobs will be created for billions of dollars?
4. How much value can we add to shareholder?
5. Is this development needed for domestic supply?
6. Is this the only alternative?
7. Can we sell this power competitively in the export market?
8. Will the shareholder subsidize cheap power for business, another province, or American Export?
9. How will the increased price of power to domestic consumers affect our seniors, low/middle income families, and local small business (recessionary impact)?
10. Have I achieved support from the people I represent as an MHA?

As for Nova Scotia - they are playing it coy:

1. The proposed project will go to the PUB there - while Newfoundland and Labrador MHA's are preventing the same process here.

2. They do not have to buy in before the project starts.

3. They can play one energy competitor off against another for the best price - thereby eliminating Muskrat supply or reducing the price wherein the people of Newfoundland and Labrador have to pay more for their power so Nova Scotians get cheaper power.

4. Currently the NDP government in Nova Scotia is in political trouble as it relates to Emera - where people are suffering the impacts of energy privatization that occurred at the same time as we prevented it.

5. Nova Scotia is presenting itself as the energy hub as it continues to attract industry away from Newfoundland and Labrador and to themselves.

As for the Mining exporters in Labrador - they are waiting like the wolf - we are the prey:

1. They are quickly becoming the raison du jour for the proposed development.

2. They have already threatened that without this type of infrastructure they may cancel or downsize development.

3. As other reasons for Muskrat development are destroyed - domestic island supply and export - their hands are wringing for cheaper subsidized power.

4. If they become the only reason for Muskrat - their demand for cheap prices will increase as other competitors (Hydro-Quebec) offer a cheaper price. All the while of course - Quebec gets secondary infrastructure to ship out our raw resources.

5. They have government's ear.

As for performance of CEO's - dead last in my opinion - Ed Martin

Hydro-Quebec - Nalcor the difference in vision - makes all the difference

Why are they the best at what they do - and why are we simply left in their wake?

Newfoundland and Labrador - we could have the same results and be a leader globally with our company NALCOR - it simply requires vision - openness - and commitment to use our resources for our people - not for a few shareholders. I will continue to post how and why Hydro-Quebec has been successful and why we have not.

Hydro-Québec’s sustainability vision incorporates energy efficiency, renewable energies and innovation.  Our 2008 report focuses on six main themes:

·         Renewable energies and energy efficiency

·         Environmental protection and quality of life

·         Social commitment

·         High-quality, customer-driven service

·         Human resources development

·         Contribution to the Québec economy

 Clips

Montréal, February 1, 2011
Hydro-Québec presents the 8th edition of Nuit blanche à Montréal: The most original way to celebrate winter in the city!

Hydro-Québec is happy to invite festival-goers to Nuit blanche à Montréal, the city’s awesome nocturnal happening and one of the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival’s major events. The eighth edition starts on Saturday night, February 26th and ends on Sunday, February 27th.

Tulsa, Okla, January 14, 2011
TOP INDUSTRY MAG NAMES HYDRO-QUÉBEC UTILITY OF THE YEAR
Electric Light & Power Magazine is the Utility Industry’s Voice Since 1922
Electric Light & Power magazine has named Canada’s largest electricity producer and the world’s largest hydroelectric power producer, Hydro-Québec, as the magazine’s 2010 Utility of the Year.

Montréal, January 12, 2011
Largest electric vehicle trial in Canada
Hydro-Québec and Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN) are pleased to invite local Boucherville businesses to participate in Canada's largest all-electric vehicle pilot project. Currently, five i-MiEVs are being tested by employees from the City of Boucherville, the Centre de santé et de services sociaux Pierre-Boucher and Hydro-Québec. It is expected that by mid-2011,about fifteen i-MiEVs will be made available to local businesses for integration into their fleets and testing of the vehicle's innovative technology.

Montréal, December 8, 2010
Captivating holidays: fun and free activities for the whole family at the Électrium!
Take advantage of the holidays to visit the Électrium, Hydro-Québec's electricity interpretation centre. For your enjoyment, we've added face painting for kids, a quiz and door prizes to our regular guided tour of the centre. Fun and surprises are guaranteed, free-of-charge!

Montréal/Toronto , December 7, 2010
WE ARE THE FIRST! - Le Centre Sheraton Montreal and the Sheraton Centre Toronto first Hotels in Canada to Offer ChargePoint Electric Vehicle Charging Services Le Centre Sheraton Montreal, the Sheraton Centre Toronto and Coulomb Technologies today announced, in collaboration with Hydro-Québec in Québec, the installation of the first ChargePoint® networked electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at hotels within Canada. Hotel guests at the Sheraton Centre Toronto and Le Centre Sheraton travelling by EV will enjoy the ease of charging their vehicles downtown while staying at either hotel property. The two charging stations operational at each hotel will also be made available to residents and visitors of Toronto and Montreal. These installations make the Sheraton Centre Toronto and Le Centre Sheraton Montreal the first Canadian hotel properties to offer this service.

Montreal, Quebec , December 2, 2010
Chevrolet Canada Prepares to Introduce the Chevrolet Volt to the Quebec Market Hydro-Québec, first company in Canada to acquire 20 electric vehicles with extended range Hydro-Québec and Chevrolet Canada today announced a new partnership by which Hydro-Québec will integrate 20 Chevrolet Volts into its fleet, starting in 2011.

Montréal, November 18, 2010
Three first quarters of 2010: Hydro-Québec’s net income totals $2,047 million Hydro-Québec posted net income of $2,047 million for the first nine months of 2010, compared to $2,060 million in 2009. This variance is due to a rise in financial expenses, which was mitigated by an increase in revenue from net electricity exports.

Montréal, September 22, 2010
Hydro-Québec awards $87,500 $ in bursaries to 34 promising Québec athletes thanks to the 13th edition of its program with the Quebec Foundation for Athletic Excellence 

Québec, July 14, 2010
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Look for the evolution of sustainable transportation on the roads in Quebec this summer Toyota ‘plugs-in’ to a new sustainable mobility evolution; delivers Prius Plug-In Hybrid to Quebec test partners

Montréal, June 29, 2010
From June 24 to August 29 – Hydro-Québec opens its doors to the public: Come enjoy a free tour of our awe-inspiring facilities! This summer, once again, everyone is invited to enjoy a free tour of Hydro-Québec’s facilities, which include some of the most spectacular developments in the world.

Montréal, June 1, 2010
Québec takes another step toward a greener tomorrow: Renault-Nissan Alliance Signs Zero-Emission Vehicle Partnership in Québec The Renault–Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan Canada has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Québec, the City of Montréal, Québec City, Hydro-Québec and the Agence de l'efficacité énergétique du Québec to advance zero-emission mobility in Québec. The parties will work together to plan the necessary charging infrastructure and to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles in Québec.

Montréal, May 12, 2010
Fair access to Québec's transmission is confirmed: Hydro-Québec TransÉnergie

Montréal, March 1, 2010
Hydro-Québec renews its commitment to the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
Hydro-Québec is pleased to announce that it is renewing its sponsorship of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) for the next three seasons: 2010−2011, 2011−2012 and 2012−2013.

Montréal, February 1, 2010
Hydro-Québec presents the 7th edition of the Montreal All-Nighter: dusk-to-dawn celebration of winter magic! Hydro-Québec is happy to invite festival-goers to the Montreal All-Nighter, a major event at the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival, which will take place during the night of Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 2

Montréal, July 30, 2009
Hydro-Québec files its Strategic Plan 2009–2013: energy efficiency, renewable energies and technological innovation Montréal, July 30, 2009 – Hydro-Québec’s Strategic Plan 2009–2013, which was filed today, features energy efficiency, the development of renewable energies and technological innovation. The period covered will be marked by sustained growth in the company’s operations. Hydro-Québec will invest $25 billion in Québec over a five-year period.

Montréal, June 9, 2009
Hydro-Québec and Ford work together to develop electric vehicles
Hydro-Québec and Ford Motor Company announced today that Hydro-Québec has joined a North America wide demonstration and research program on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

 Havre-Saint-Pierre, May 13, 2009
The Romaine Hydroelectric Complex – PREMIER CHAREST LAUNCHES LARGEST CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN CANADA
The Premier of Québec, Jean Charest, accompanied by the Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife, Claude Béchard, the Minister of Native Affairs, Pierre Corbeil, the mayor of Havre-Saint-Pierre and prefect of the Minganie RCM, Pierre Cormier, the chiefs of the Innu communities of the Moyenne-Côte-Nord and Basse-Côte-Nord, and Hydro-Québec president and CEO, Thierry Vandal, officially launched construction on the hydroelectric complex on the Romaine in Havre-Saint-Pierre today.

Montreal, April 15, 2009
Sustainability Report 2008: Our Commitment to the Future
Hydro-Québec is pleased to present its Sustainability Report 2008, "Our Commitment to the Future". Each year for the past seven years, the company has reported on its environmental, social and economic performance by publishing a document in this form.

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.