The Official Opposition is concerned that Premier Wakeham is refusing to let MHAs vote on the final Churchill Falls agreements, despite clear evidence that significant details remain to be negotiated. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve answers, transparency, and a say before a deal of this magnitude is signed.
The Premier’s own MOU confirms that the deal was non-binding. Section 6.1 identifies only four sections as legally binding, and explicitly states “this Agreement is also not intended to, and does not purport to, summarize all the terms, conditions, and other provisions that would be contained in the Definitive Agreements, which Definitive Agreements shall be subject to negotiation…”
The Premier cannot claim there is nothing left to negotiate when his own agreement makes it clear that there is. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve to see, scrutinize, and debate the final terms before they are signed.
The Premier also failed to answer questions about his new lead negotiator. Media revealed yesterday that Mr. Smith was most recently employed by the federal Department of Energy. Yet the Premier failed to disclose this relevant information when he finally announced the appointment, weeks after Mr. Smith had already begun his work.
Wakeham also admitted he does not know whether he worked on the Churchill Falls file for the federal government and could not say whether there is a potential conflict of interest.
Finally, the Premier was unable to provide a new justification for cancelling the referendum he promised, having lost his previous excuse of “urgency.” He used the December 31 deadline to justify breaking a key campaign promise. Now, he is pointing to an extended March 31 deadline. With more time available, that excuse no longer holds, yet he has still failed to explain to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians why he has taken away the vote he promised them.
The question remains: why is the Premier so afraid to let the people have their say? His Churchill Falls deal is facing widespread criticism from experts and the public, and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve the opportunity to decide for themselves.
The Premier is asking the public to trust him on a 50-year deal while refusing to allow a vote on the final agreements or hold the referendum he promised, and despite his repeated withholding of relevant information. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve better.
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