NLIS 5
November 29, 2002
(Mines and Energy)
 

Minister questions the merits of Opposition Leader�s public protest

Mines and Energy Minister Lloyd Matthews today responded to the Official Opposition�s call for a public protest against a Gull Island deal. Danny Williams, Leader of the Opposition, has scheduled a public meeting next week to protest the possible development of the Lower Churchill River.

"I fail to understand why the Opposition would be holding a public protest against a deal that does not exist," said Minister Matthews. "This is another attempt by the Leader of the Opposition to convince people that a Gull Island development is bad, even before we have had the opportunity to conclude negotiations with all parties to reach a deal.

"How can the Opposition discuss the unacceptable terms of the Gull Island deal when there is no deal to discuss? Where are they getting their information, when no details of a potential deal have been released? It appears that this protest is an attempt by Mr. Williams to continue his party�s opposition to the development of what could be a very good project for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. This is not at all helpful in trying to move forward and encourage our objective of new and positive economic development in our province.

"Should we reach a deal, the public will be informed on all details of a Gull Island development. At that time, the people of the province will be provided with full opportunity to debate and examine the details and merits of any agreement in a fair and factual manner, and we would look forward to the public�s thorough examination of the arrangement.

"This government has stated from the beginning that if a deal is reached, all of the details will be released publically to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for informed debate. The Premier has already committed to a full debate in the legislature with a free vote. I believe that a premature protest, a protest that will not reflect the actual contents of a potential Gull Island deal, is not helpful to concluding a development that would provide substantial benefits to the people of this province."

Media contact: Darrell Mercer, Communications, (709) 729-5777

2002 11 29                                        1:00 p.m. 


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