"This is an issue that is very important for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and I believe all three political parties can agree it is imperative to have a united front as a province. That is why I, along with NDP Leader Jack Harris, are calling upon the Premier to immediately establish an all party committee on this issue and to hold an emergency session of the House of Assembly. It is my belief that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians want to see this issue resolved for the betterment of this province. By working together, I am sure we can all make a valuable contribution.

"I am asking all Members of Parliament from this province to put partisan politics aside and to take a Newfoundland and Labrador first position on this issue. We are in a very unique position and this may be our best chance to get it right for future generations."

The Liberal leader says while he is not completely happy with the way the Williams government has handled the negotiations on this issue, but rather than criticize at this critical point, he wants to concentrate on what efforts he can make to enhance the province’s position. "If the Premier is serious about creating a non-partisan united position on this file, I am asking that he include the Opposition Parties. We need to know exactly what the province asked for and exactly what the federal government has offered."

Grimes says he is well aware of the difficulty of reaching an agreement on these matters. "This is a process which has been ongoing for a number of years. We should all be very vigilant in examining what is happening and making sure we get the best possible arrangement with the federal government. We have a number of long-term initiatives on the part of successive provincial governments that have brought us to this point. We currently have a situation at the federal level that should help us address this problem. We now need a united front from this province to ensure that we see it through to its proper conclusion."