"I cannot understand why the Premier refused our request to have an emergency debate on the Atlantic Accord," said Mr. Grimes. "This motion would have provided all three provincial political parties the opportunity to discuss the details of the Atlantic Accord in front of a provincial audience. This would have provided more information to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and allow all members of the House of Assembly to stand united. We continuously offer our help to the Premier to ensure that the Prime Minister fulfills his commitment of giving this province 100 per cent of our offshore revenues without equalization clawback, but he will not accept our sign of good faith.

"This was another golden opportunity to show the federal government that all provincial politicians stand behind the province’s position. Unfortunately, as a result of the Premier’s decision, this symbolic display of support in our legislature did not happen in advance of tomorrow’s very important meeting."