News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

Private Members Motion defeated despite prior commitments

December 7, 2005

"I presented a motion that summarized the expectations of Labradorians around a possible Lower Churchill development project," said Jones. "The five points included in the motion were discussed and committed to by the Premier and his cabinet colleagues during a public forum in Happy Valley - Goose Bay in October. There were other points I could have included in the motion, but chose not to because they were not agreed upon and committed to by the government at that time. With this motion today, I was sincerely trying to achieve consensus on an important development for Labrador people. I was very disappointed in the fact that government chose to politicize the matter and even more disappointed that they were not prepared to uphold their commitments in the legislature of the province today.

"In October, the Premier committed and agreed to the provision of affordable and reliable electrical power to sustain and grow the local economies of Labrador communities, saying that it needs to be addressed even before a concluded Lower Churchill Development which could take 10 - 15 years to come to fruition.

"Additionally, the Premier agreed that a Labrador heritage fund should be established to ensure future investment in Labrador and its people. He agreed that a fund to address infrastructure needs of Labrador is needed and said he would be reviewing it. In fact, if government was serious about this commitment, they could use the $50 million received annually from recall power to address these needs immediately.

"With respect to meaningful consultation with Labrador aboriginal peoples, the Premier had indicated in October that discussions were already ongoing with Innu leaders and that discussions would take place with Metis once the court case concluded.

"The Premier also agreed with the fact that local procurement and employment must take priority in a development agreement and that a Labrador First Policy must be adopted. In fact, he stated in October that this would be the basis of any deal signed by his government.

"Not only did the Premier commit to addressing environmental concerns though the environmental assessment process, but he agreed and committed to providing funds to the Grand River Action Committee to move forward as an environmental intervener.

"I brought this issue to the House of Assembly this afternoon so that the rights of Labradorians will be upheld as negotiations progress for the development of this project. The people of Labrador rightfully expect to be the primary beneficiaries of this resource development. It is only reasonable that Labrador receive the maximum benefit from this project through development of a Labrador Development Fund, and accessible, available energy.

"The Premier promised that the Lower Churchill would be developed for the primary benefit of Labradorians, that industrial development in Labrador would be a priority and that the domestic energy needs of the area would be fulfilled. The PC government voted today to break those commitments, with no explanation.

"I will continue to raise these issues in the House of Assembly and I can assure the government that I do support a deal that is in the best interests of Labradorians. I am prepared to work with government in good faith to ensure that there is a Labrador First Policy that includes respect and inclusion of Inuit, Metis, Innu and all other Labradorians in all discussions pertaining to this project."

WHEREAS Labradorians must be the primary beneficiaries of any development

of the hydro resource on the Lower Churchill River;

AND WHEREAS the Premier promised during the 2003 election campaign, "We will not develop the Lower Churchill unless the primary beneficiaries are Labradorians. You have my assurance on that";

AND WHEREAS the government party promised during the 2003 election campaign that, "a Progressive Conservative government will make use of the hydroelectric potential of the Lower Churchill to promote industrial development and meet domestic energy demand in Labrador";

AND WHEREAS Labrador communities must have electrical power which is affordable and reliable to sustain and grow the local economy;

AND WHEREAS Labradorians expect a heritage fund will be established to ensure future investment in Labrador and its people;

AND WHEREAS there must be respect and inclusion for all of Labrador's aboriginal peoples - the Innu Nation, the Metis Nation and the Inuit must be consulted and engaged in meaningful discussions on the development;

AND WHEREAS local business procurement and local employment opportunities must be a fundamental part of any plan to develop the project - a Labrador First Policy must be adopted;

AND WHEREAS environmental concerns must be considered and addressed through environmental assessments. Labradorians must be provided with intervenor status;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this House of Assembly calls upon the Government to ensure that Labrador receive the maximum benefit of the development of the Lower Churchill Power Project;

AND THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a deal on the Lower Churchill not be concluded unless the electrical needs of Labrador are met and a Labrador Development Fund is established to ensure that Labradorians are the primary beneficiaries of the export of their hydro electric resources".

Media Contact:
Jeff Mackey
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427