The following statement was made today by the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Natural Resources:

CRA Survey Shows Majority of Residents in the Province Support Muskrat Falls

Today, the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Natural Resources, commented on the survey conducted by Corporate Research Associates (CRA) showing that nearly two-thirds, or 63 per cent, of residents in Newfoundland and Labrador completely or mostly support the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project.

“We are not surprised with the findings of CRA’s survey released today which clearly shows that the majority of the people in the province support the development of Muskrat Falls,” said Minister Marshall. “We have always been confident that Muskrat Falls is the best least-cost option to meet electricity demand on the island portion of the province. This survey shows that the people of Newfoundland and Labrador agree that closing Holyrood Thermal Generating Station and reducing our reliance on volatile oil prices is good for our province.”

During construction, the project will generate significant economic benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador including $1.9 billion in income to labour and business with $290 million in tax revenue to the Provincial Government. Approximately 3,100 direct jobs will be available at peak construction in 2015 with 1,500 direct jobs expected per year on average across more than 70 occupations.

“Muskrat Falls will provide the island portion of the province with the cheapest long-term electricity rates that will be stable and reliable as opposed to electricity from the Holyrood Thermal Generating Station which is based on volatile oil prices,” said Minister Marshall. “Muskrat Falls is an investment for our future, and will be a major revenue generator for the province as it helps us diversify our provincial economy. From stable electricity rates, to jobs and business opportunities, and additional provincial revenue, the benefits of Muskrat Falls will provide tremendous value to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and be felt in every corner of the province.”

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

2013 04 02                             7:30 p.m.