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Kelvin Parsons, Opposition Natural Resources Critic and MHA for the District
of Burgeo-Lapoile, is questioning whether the Lower Churchill is another of
the files Premier Williams was "all over" that is headed off the rails.
Parsons references other files that the premier stated he was "all over" but
produced no results. He believes the Lower Churchill may now be headed down
the same path as the failed Hebron-Ben Nevis negotiations, the failed
attempt to save the Abitibi mill in Stephenville, the failed attempts to
secure Burin Peninsula fish plants, the failed attempts to improve the
fishery, the uncertainty regarding the equalization formula and remedying
the fiscal imbalance, and of course, the failure to revitalize rural
Newfoundland and Labrador speaks for itself.
"The premier has prided himself on being "all over" the Lower Churchill
file," said Mr. Parsons. "It is surprising to now hear his comments of
concern because of Quebec’s plans to develop hydro-electric resources in
their province. We asked questions regarding this issue in the House of
Assembly last spring after Quebec released their energy plan. At that time,
the premier stated that he was not concerned. It now appears that Quebec may
be moving forward with these plans that could very well use up any excess
capacity in their transmission system, flood the market with additional
power, and threaten the future of the Lower Churchill project.
"What makes this situation even worse is the troublesome relationship
that is developing between Premier Williams and the Government of Canada and
the Government of Quebec. Our province will need both parties in some
capacity to help this project move forward. His confrontational attitude may
appear bold, however, this type of style has produced very little results.
Unfortunately, his reckless and bullying tactics only succeeded when dealing
with a weak minority government in Ottawa. Since that time, the Hebron-Ben
Nevis project has been put on hold indefinitely, several key industries in
this province have closed, and our fishery is in a mess. It now looks as if
the premier may be headed down the same road on the Lower Churchill."
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