Today in the House of Assembly, NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) says that government’s handling of the Churchill Falls Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is similar to the political football match started by the former Liberal government, and questions what exactly the difference is between the two.
Dinn says the revelation that two advisors were quietly hired in January by the Conservatives – one a former Williams-era cabinet minister involved in Muskrat Falls, and another who has been openly critical of the MOU – raises serious concerns about the panel’s independence. He emphasized that the issue is not the qualifications of the individuals, but the double standard, given the government’s criticism of the previously appointed panel members political affiliations.
“Speaker, when in opposition, the Premier railed against the lack of transparency of the previous Liberal administration,” Dinn said during Question Period. “Yet, he has failed to consult with opposition MHAs in striking a new independent review committee, is refusing to hold a special debate in the House of Assembly on the report, and now we learn that he secretly hired two special advisors to review the report. One of those advisors was part of the Conservative government responsible for Muskrat Falls.”
Since the Churchill Falls MOU has been announced, it has been mired in political rhetoric and messaging, leaving the public with more questions than answers. After the Conservatives walked out of the vote
“Why should people believe that he and his government are any different than the last government?” Dinn asked the Premier.
Dinn warns that the process risks being delayed, with the can effectively being kicked down the road and no resolution reached before Quebec’s required election by October 2026. He also raises concern that the current messaging around development suggests the province may be preparing to take on the full risk of resource development on its own – echoing the approach taken with Muskrat Falls.
“The Premier claims he wants the best Churchill Falls deal for the people of the province,” Dinn adds. “What does this mean? Actually negotiating a deal with Quebec or developing Gull Island on our own and risk Muskrat Falls 2.0?”