Poor federal-provincial relations costing hundreds of thousands in lobbyist fees

Information obtained from the federal Lobbyist Commissioner’s Office show that Nalcor spent over $960,000 in lobbying fees to Summa Strategies Canada in an effort to speak to federal government officials and the Prime Minister’s Office on the Lower Churchill project. The information was released earlier today in the House of Assembly by Opposition House Leader Kelvin Parsons.

“It is unfortunate that federal-provincial relations have deteriorated to such a poor level that the taxpayers of the province are now being forced to pay money for communications that should be taking place between both levels of government for free,” said Mr. Parsons. “We have the Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and our Ottawa Representative, John Fitzgerald, who are supposed to be arranging these meetings and having these discussions. Instead, the taxpayers are footing a million dollar bill to a lobbying firm just so representation can actually take place on projects important to the people of the province.

“Why we are spending over $250,000 on an Ottawa representative if they cannot set up meetings and convey the province’s position on issues such as the Lower Churchill? I always questioned the function of this office and this is just another example that demonstrates its ineffectiveness.”

Parsons also questioned whether there are additional payments being made by Nalcor that are hidden within the corporate structure and unavailable to the scrutiny of the general public.

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