The Official Opposition raised several questions today in the House of Assembly, urging the Conservatives to disclose key information about the Premier’s handpicked committee’s report, and even offered suggestions on how to make the panelists available for accountability.
The Premier delayed releasing the “independent” committee’s report so that the members could speak to and answer questions about their report. He later flip-flopped and said they wouldn’t be speaking publicly. Days later, he’s finally come up with an excuse – that they “could be seen as modifying the official report”. The Premier’s committee has so little faith in themselves that they are worried they could slip up and undermine their own work.
The report refers to vague “experts” but fails to name them or make them available. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians cannot trust a report without knowing whether or not it was informed by unqualified, biased opinions or world-renowned subject matter experts like those engaged, and made publicly available, for the original MOU.
The Premier has also indicated the committee member could inadvertently disclose commercially sensitive information.” The Leader of the Official Opposition reminded the Conservatives that during the four day MOU debate, where the experts were not only named but made available for questions by the media and all MHAs, the following rule applied:
Invited guests could “decline to answer questions which are commercially sensitive, subject to Cabinet confidence or solicitor-client privilege, or otherwise information that may be excepted from disclosure in accordance with the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.” Why doesn’t the Premier and the panel recognize that they can speak and protect sensitive information at the same time?
There is no reason that Mr. Wakeham cannot ensure the same protection for his committee members and the so-called experts they relied on to enable them to be accountable. Only two weeks ago, the Premier said “I thought it was important…that the independent review committee themselves be the ones to present this report to the public ”
The Premier has also reneged on his promise to call a referendum. On day one of the provincial election, during his campaign launch speech, Wakeham said “as Premier, I will submit any final deal on Churchill Falls and Hull Island to a public referendum.” Now, as Premier, he refuses to confirm his commitment and promise of a referendum until he gets a final deal.
After a week of questions, the Premier has failed to adequately address any of these concerns. The Official Opposition therefore strongly condemns the lack of independence, transparency and foresight in the creation and presentation of the Churchill Falls MOU Review committee.
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