"Premier Williams has continuously promised that he would be open and accountable to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Mr. Grimes. "We have not witnessed anything that would indicate that he has fulfilled this promise. These most recent hidden discussions on the development of Lower Churchill power is cloaked in secrecy. Is this the Premier’s idea of openness and accountability? In light of the Premier’s lack of progress on finalizing his conflict of interest statement, and knowing that he has interests in a number of energy related companies, he should ensure that nothing is secret and everything is put forward for public input and scrutiny.

"The Lower Churchill development is one of the most important future economic development projects to the people of this province. All Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have a vested interest in the responsible development of this project. We learned in the past that any successful Lower Churchill deal cannot involve secret discussions. The people must be consulted before any secret talks occur. It is imperative that the Premier advise the people of the province who government has retained for this analysis, the cost of the consultant and their terms of reference.

"In an October 24^th, 2002, news release discussing past attempts to develop the Lower Churchill Premier Williams stated ‘Unfortunately, because it is being negotiated in secret, we know very little about this deal and therefore are not able to provide constructive thoughts and suggestions as to how it can be improved.’ I now ask the Premier to live up to his own words and do the same. Now is the time to release these details and consult with the people of the province. We must ensure that opportunities are provided to provide constructive thoughts and suggestions that could possibly improve this current undertaking."