NLIS 1
December 2, 2002
(Mines and Energy)
 

The following statement was issued today by Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Mines and Energy. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise in the house today to provide honourable members with an update on the potential Gull Island development.

Over the past couple of weeks there has been much debate and discussion regarding this proposed project development. Many opinions have been expressed stating that this government has already concluded an agreement with the Province of Qu�bec, and that we have an agreement to present to the people of the province.

I must confirm again today that no agreement on the development of the Gull Island Project has been finalized. Much work has been completed on this file, however, government has not reached the point of concluding a deal.

There is still work to be done. We will take the time to examine the results of the deliberations of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro�s Board of Directors and review the consultations that took place with the people of Labrador. We will reflect on the information and advice that we have received from each of these groups.

The Prime Minister has also recently raised the concept of a national east-west energy grid, an idea that we have promoted for many years. This issue has been discussed as recently as September at the Joint Energy Ministers� Meeting in Winnipeg, without much interest from the federal government. We will be seeking clarification of the Prime Minister�s position on this initiative.

This government will take into account everything before concluding any deals on the development of Gull Island. We intend to take as much time as we need to do our work and review all of the issues, and we will not be rushed.

Some honourable members would like to see government debate a deal that has not been concluded. We believe in informed debate, a debate that reflects facts not assumptions or misinformed opinions. When we reach a deal, all details will be provided to the public for full debate. This will ensure that any agreement is presented in a fair and factual manner, a manner that will permit a thorough examination of all of the details. The Premier has committed to a full debate in the legislature with a free vote to ensure that this process is completely open.

This government was not rushed into concluding an agreement on the development of White Rose. This government was not rushed into concluding a Voisey�s Bay deal. I can assure all honourable members that we will not be rushed into concluding a Gull Island development. We will only conclude an agreement on the development of this resource when we are certain that we have achieved a good deal on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. This has been our standard, and this is a commitment we will keep.

This government is confident about its economic development agenda. We have already witnessed the beginning of two major resource projects this year, projects that will provide substantial benefits to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. We will continue to pursue an economic agenda that includes projects that we believe are in the best interest of the people of the province.

2002 12 02                                       2:00 p.m. 


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