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Premier and Minister contradicting each other, while Board of Trade Speech raises more questions November 15, 2006
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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid is questioning why Premier Williams and Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Minister Trevor Taylor are not on the same page when it comes to the premier=s involvement in the fibre-optic deal. Last week, Minister Taylor stated that the premier excused himself from all presentations and cabinet discussions related to the fibre-optic proposal, a view that was reinforced by Paul Hatcher, COO of Persona, in Saturday=s Telegram. However, last evening in television interviews, Premier Williams stated that he pulled the plug on this proposal when it previously went before cabinet. AWho is telling the truth? Did the premier participate in cabinet meetings related to this proposal, or did he excuse himself as stated by his minister?@ asked Mr. Reid. ARegardless, it is highly suspicious why the minister and premier are contradicting each other. If the truth was being told, both individuals should be providing the same information publicly. This in itself raises a very important question, why did the minister try to cover-up the premier=s participation in this decision? AWe have also obtained a copy of a Board of Trade speech delivered by Premier Williams in 1995. During that speech, the premier certainly demonstrates his dislike for Newfoundland Telephone (Aliant) and states: AIf Bell is permitted to use Newfoundland Telephone for its own self interest, the Information Highway in Newfoundland and Labrador will become the highway to BELL or the highway to HELL. There is no difference." The premier=s bias should not dictate government policy, and he certainly should not be giving taxpayers money to his friends to accomplish his goals. AClearly, something is not right with this deal and I am hopeful the full truth will come out in the coming days and weeks. We will continue to probe this issue until the people of the province have the benefit of the truth.@
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