News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

Reid challenges Premier to respond to Hebron questions before election is called

Opposition Leader Gerry Reid is challenging Premier Danny Williams to immediately respond to the 13 written questions related to the Hebron Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) submitted to his office two weeks ago.  

Reid issued an open letter to the premier asking a number of questions related to the Hebron deal, including the possibility that the project as announced could result in millions of dollars being left on the table and missed opportunities for local workers. Each of the questions is seeking further information related to royalty payments, work commitments and project time lines that have not been disclosed.  

AIt has been almost two weeks and the premier has not even acknowledged that he has received my letter,@ said Mr. Reid. AThe premier made the Hebron announcement weeks before an election campaign and it is his duty to provide the people with real answers to the many questions surrounding this MOU. There are obviously problems with the details of this MOU, or the premier would have already provided responses to my questions.@ 

AFirst, the premier refused to release the particulars of the MOU for anyone to analyze the actual details. Second, he has refused to answer some very important questions about this project. If there was nothing to hide and this was such a great tentative framework for an agreement, I question why the premier is refusing to address the issues surrounding this project? We are less than a week from the call of the provincial election and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador need answers. In the interest of openness and accountability, and the need to get this deal right, it=s time to stop hiding and address the questions.@

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Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6151 or 709-687-0477