While Dinn commended Premier Wakeham for releasing the un-redacted version of Michael Wilson’s resignation letter as well as the letter from the Clerk of the Executive Council to the Committee, he says transparency doesn’t stop there.
“Transparency doesn’t stop with exposing the interference of the previous Liberal administration,” Dinn said. “I offered our collaboration in achieving a more transparent process, and Premier Wakeham personally told me he was committed to doing so.”
Unfortunately, the NDP’s offer to work together has gone unanswered, with radio silence from the PCs. “It is disappointing to realise we are fighting the same battle we fought with the Liberals a year ago,” said Dinn.
In January 2025, Dinn wrote then Premier Furey insisting that independent oversight was needed for the MOU process. Along with the Independent MHAs, the NDP was successful in negotiating an independent oversight panel. The Conservatives were welcome to participate in shaping the committee, but chose not to, and eventually walked out on the vote. Dinn says it seems the Conservatives have adopted the same approach of the previous administration.
“We are increasingly concerned that the Conservatives did not expect to form government and have no plan regarding the Churchill Falls negotiations,” said Dinn. “There are many questions that need to be answered regarding timelines, negotiations, the report of the independent panel, and the plan to hold a referendum. I have asked the necessary questions in a letter to Wakeham to try to ensure transparency, but to them it seems to be more of a buzzword than a governing principle.”
“This deal demands the inclusion of all members of the House of Assembly, especially in light of Quebec Premier Francois Legault’s resignation and its potential implications for finalizing an agreement and ensuring the future prosperity of our province.”
“To guarantee the best possible deal for the people of the province and to ensure the people of Labrador West access the power they need, collaboration with opposition parties and the independent member is more crucial than ever. The NL NDP is asking for Premier Wakeham’s commitment to do so.”