Readers of the Uncle Gnarley blog have probably heard enough
of the Muskrat narrative since the Inquiry began in September. Likely, most have
broken out the Christmas cheer — including the legal weed — which is sensible,
as long as the car keys are buried. Sobriety
may not be good for your health right now.
In what other way, I wonder, could the drip-drip-drip of mind-numbing
testimony extracted by Commission Co-Counsel be suffered by a decent citizenry,
however necessary?
Fortuitously, O’Brien and Learmonth have been gifted the
skills of interrogation, each one displaying the painstaking artistry of the dentist’s
drill. It is a useful tool, too, so many of their subjects having exhibited
excessively large memory cavities. Poor mental dentition was repeatedly the
politicians’ escape. Ignorance of cavernous proportions was also on display, overlain
with unbridled hubris. Ed Martin even elicited from the Commissioner an unscheduled
interim report — actually a tongue-lashing — which described him as “rude”,
though I expect an even harsher assessment awaits.
Co-counsels’ artful dentistry aside, for a public still
suffering bewilderment that Danny was little more than a pamphleteer as other politicians and bureaucrats were reckless or just plain dumb, the
outpouring of proof that the Muskrat narrative was contrived has the capacity
to shake our faith in parliamentary democracy.
an unrepentant, though less vituperative, former Premier Kathy Dunderdale.
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| Photo Credit: Chronicle Herald |
The first allowed that, at sanction, she believed that the Federal
Loan Guarantee (FLG) had been locked down when it was not. She had based this
conclusion, she said, on assurances that Sanction of the Maritime Link by the
UARB — the equivalent of our PUB — would not be necessary.
Even in Dunderdale’s world, where the concept of risk is
neither fully understood nor accounted for, such misapprehension is
unforgivable because the public ordinarily expects that even the dullest
politician will be propped up by legal and other technical advisors. In this
case, her testimony confirms that not one of her Cabinet colleagues — not even
Jerome Kennedy, the prolific note-taker who exhibited neither leadership nor usefulness
— was sufficiently alert to prevent such a fundamental error. In short,
Dunderdale’s testimony is hard to believe.
former Premier testified that she would not have sanctioned Muskrat absent the
FLG. Yet Sanction allowed contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to be
issued: exactly what Nalcor wanted to ensure that there would be no going back.
issue is not resolved… There was nothing to prepare me for this information.”
described the conditions under which the FLG would be granted.
of the Maritime Link can take place. In addition, Section 3.5A (vii) of the Federal
Loan Guarantee agreement of November 30, 2012 requires sanction of all
projects, “including the Maritime Link,” as a condition precedent.
the UARB. But Dunderdale thought NS Premier Darrell Dexter was going to
neutralize the UARB, and there is evidence before the Inquiry which establishes
this expectation. It follows that Dexter was also expected to change the
conditions of the Term Sheet. But in
contrast to Nalcor’s and Dunderdale’s disrespect for the PUB, Premier Dexter
had no such latitude or intention. He had merely suckered a bunch of novices on
the path of Muskrat — regardless of the cost.
also an example of massive dysfunction by the Government. Little wonder that
Sanction was dubbed a “charade” by critics. Doubtless, Ed Martin knew the
difference. Perhaps it is not the least bit strange that there is no record of Emera’s
undertaking; there is only one of NL’s expectation.
add insult to injury, the cost of the Energy Access Agreement (EAA) that the
UARB later extracted from NL was an estimated $700 million – $1.4 billion. It
requires, among other benefits, an average annual offer to NS of 1.2 TWh of
electricity until 2041. The deal jeopardizes the ability of the Province to provide
this power to NL industry or to Labrador mining as “firm” energy unless we are
prepared to underwrite the development of additional sources.
As
David Vardy writes, “we were snookered by NS at every turn. We gave them more
than 20% of the power in value terms, agreeing to supply during our own peak
demand. We left the strategic risk out of the cost estimate allowing NS to pay
20% of grossly underestimated costs. NS did not share our overruns but we had
to share theirs. We gave them a prime investment in the LIL at a guaranteed
return. We neutralized our PUB and empowered the UARB to make the final
decision.”
is right, except on that account we have no one to blame but ourselves.
second bombshell dropped by Dunderdale was her assertion that Ed Martin told
her in casual conversation that the worst-case scenario for Muskrat overruns
was $500 million. While $500 million pales against the $5.3 billion of overruns
now racked up, the revelation is disturbing because it makes a mockery of the
importance of accountability as well as the processes of decision-making. In
contrast to the former Premier’s recollection, Jerome Kennedy testified that he
believed that $6.2 billion (plus financing costs) was a hard number.
does even the potential for overruns of a half-billion dollars not make it to
the Cabinet table? What kind of Premier discusses such a huge sum of money at
the water cooler without demanding from the then-CEO a formal submission to
Cabinet detailing the admission? And on what basis does Dunderdale think the disclosure
did not warrant telling the public?
will give the last word to David Vardy:
then justice is but a charade.”
“If there are no consequences for the architects of this folly then justice is but a charade.”
My thoughts exactly. If everyone gets away with it, Muskrat Falls will just be a template for the next public heist.
I note with contempt that their will be no consequences for anyone by the terms of the TOR.
What exactly is Vardy expecting? He knows nothing will come of the inquiry, no blame will be assigned.
What exactly is he expecting from Da judge wit da rubber chicken?
(here comes da judge!). You have read the TOR David have you not?
Yes, it has become plainly apparent that if there is no consequence for lying then it is in the best interest of the liars to continue lying to defend themselves. Surely the Commissioner knows this and will call it as it appears.
If the legacy is that lying doesn't get you on any trouble though, then the message is clear for the next round of shills to do as they please.
Had this been a criminal investigation, this would no doubt be playing out very differently. The rats would be striking plea bargains to turn on each other.
From Wikipedia: "In political jargon, a useful idiot is a derogatory term for a person perceived as a propagandist for a cause of whose goals they are not fully aware and who is used cynically by the leaders of the cause." — I think several useful idiots were weaponized to betray the public trust.
You are much too charitable there are many wilful idiots covering for the architect of this folly that I note has yet to be implicated as the cause of the folly.
Inquiry or cover up? The choice is yours.
I've followed this MF fiasco from the beginning, and while little coming out in the inquiry surprises in the overall, it is still quite shocking to hear the BS still spewed by politicians and Nalcor. There were so many concerns raised, even before sanction, yet all who raised them were traitors and nay sayers. The wrath and disdain brought down on these folks by the cabal involved in this mess was way beyond shameful. The arrogance of those in power, and behind the project, shows exactly why NL will never have anything, but certain individuals certainly will.
It's also quite interesting that Martin was paid that outrageous severance, almost immediately. In light of the mismanagement and scheming and holding back of information, how can such a payment be justified?
To you, Mr. Sullivan, we all owe you a great deal of appreciation for continuing to inform us with your blog. And to Mr. Vardy, Mr. Penny, and the others who were steadfast in ensuring the actual facts became public, NOT the sanitized or falsified ones, THANK YOU. I only hope the authorities are asked to take a serious look at filing charges where warranted. Merry Christmas to you all.
While I was not a fan of having an Inquiry at first, now I am glad that we see what skulduggery and out right dishonesty was used by the Williams and Dunderdale governments (Paul Davis is included here also) to sanction this project. Sadly no one will be charged. But we should never forget what happened.
Anony @ 09:25:
So we are on the same page, EM severance was 'only' $1.4M – the balance of the $6M was pension payouts.
When compared to Jennifer Guy and George Tilley of the 2000s, the months paid vs severance isn't out of what would be expected based on past practice of the government.
Aside from the $-value, a comparison based on service term needs to be made – the problem wasn't EM, but a government policy that is long standing. Government also just went though the effort of eliminating severance for public service employees – severance in the public service started in the 1970s/1980s, so severance is historical.
PENG2
To PENG2
I stand partially corrected. While only 1.4 million was actual severance, another 4.7 million was a supplemental executive retirement plan. He also receives a $95,000 annual pension. And my disagreement with those payouts is not about the payouts, although definitely excessive considering our fiscal state, but rather the haste in which they were paid. And in light of details coming from the inquiry, there appears to have been ample reason to, at the very least, delay payment until it was ascertained that he didn't mislead, misinform, etc. The amounts in question could have been held in trust.
Anony @ 08:52:
The findings of the review by Auditor General doesn't support your stance. I think SM gave up a severance claim clause in his employment contract when he took over Nalcor, but kept the same salary as EM.
The AG also did a review of MHAs/Ministers benefits a few years ago – their pension is potentially greater than EMs.
Not that I agree (or disagree) with either of the findings – but worthwhile reviewing to be factual.
PENG2
Think anon: 8:52 was making a good point; the haste in which he was paid…should he have been dismissed with or without cause….or was it a resignation…we may never know…we just know he got away with blue murder…and whose decision was it the Boards or the Premier's …or as usually Eddie made the decision all by himself….and instructed them what he wanted done. says average Joe.
AJ @ 12:57:
The report by the Auditor General outlines what happened in pretty good detail – not sure you have read it or not, makes for interesting reading.
PENG2
Nope, have not read it, and to be honest, not in a great hurry to read it, but you can fill me in on the pertinent facts. You, including the AG, would have to convince me first of all that Eddie did not already have his finincial escape well planned in advance. So just need to execute it at a moments notice. Lots of AG's reports are not worth the paper written on, so suspect this one is no different. Yep followed all the legal procedures, but was it justified under the circumstances, considering what kind of desperation should it have been. A resignation or dismissal with cause. Did the AG answer that question, or investigate it. Ask average Joe.
….Separation….
Dunderdale is like Williams who is like Ches Crosbie. None of them want to admit the colossal mistake that was made with their blessing. It is worth anyone living in Newfoundland to read the article by Terry Hussey on the CBC website. It explains how sound judgement and good management are lost in the political donation system that finances elections and political parties in Newfoundland. It also explains why so many politicians turn a blind eye to the people once elected, In the case of Muskrat Falls, the construction industry, the consulting industry and the trade unions were all eager to have a go at another mega project after the Hebron GBS was finished. This was a large part of the reason it was sanction so as to ensure that these interests were kept employed or with contracts for another 7 or 8 years. I am willing to bet there is intense lobbying for another Mega Project possibly Gull Island or a fixed link across the straits or something of that nature. Mark my words that after the next election and when the dust settles from Muskrat Falls, we will be up to our necks in a another Mega Project. Anyway Merry Christmas and here is the link to that article.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/terry-hussey-political-contributions-1.4955515
MF broke the treasury, no bank or FLG will fund another megadisaster.
Hussey is on the right track, sounds like a success at capitalism and his formula is important. It is a symptom, not the cause of the problem however. Look deeper at the inbred feudal political system that needs dismantling.
Another voice crying in the wilderness.
Mr Hussey may be right as rain but … the system will not change without revolutionary action by someone, sometime.
Our only hope is to break the system, elect non-party independent candidates, form new parties (M. Bernier, eg).
The parties will break if no one votes for them.
A broad coalition of like minded people can make a change, you just need to be organized and committed.
I have continually asked for a plan going forward, nothing forthcoming yet, but, Yes, Mr. Hussey, there can be an end, step up and take the helm.
As a matter of plan, the only one we heard of here was from Heracles about extending UC contract and powering the Atlantic provinces from HQ as a compensation for absorbing the boondoggle.
Has GovNL started making payments towards the principle of MFalls debt yet? And if not, what are they waiting for? Almost like the old B&K Carpet commercial, "no money down, you don't pay 'til 2020".
Sort of Levy. They have found creative ways to stick your grandkids with most of the costs by heavily backloading the principal. They are not yet born so screw them is the Nalcor philosophy!
This is another example of an UNQUALIFIED person acting as Premier. Dunderdale's training and work experience is as a school teacher. Other school teachers, Roger Grimes and Brian Peckford to name a couple, sucked at being Premier too. An education "degree" does not prepare a person to understand the complex legal and economic issues encountered by a Premier. If the Premier is solely dependent on advisors, they are essentially a lame duck and can be manipulated like play dough, as was the case with Dunderdale. It's time to write a skillset requirement for those who would contemplate pursuing the job of Premier. Wanna bees should not apply.
So did the ambulance chasing lawyer and we have another in the waiting.
Anony @ 12:20:
Was KD a teacher? I didn't think so, fact check is in order.
PENG2
I heard her say her major was in Change Management. She seems to have gotten the "awareness" step all wrong!
Kathy Dunderdale knew just enough to be dangerous, and THAT IS ALL.
Quite likely the most ill-suited, ill-equipped individual to be elected premier, anywhere, ever.
Her testimony at the Rat Inquiry speaks volumes as to how colossally ignorant she is as to how the fiscal world operates.
Her political smarts were forged as a municipal councilor in some remote, abandoned outport out around the bay somewhere.
And THIS is the calibre of individual wgo was put in custodianship of billion$ of taxpayers' dollars.
How bloody-well ridiculous is that? Is it any wonder as to the dire predicament the province now finds itself in??
This god-forsken rock is not worthy of self-governance. Self-governance in this province equates to self-harm.
The feds or the Norwegians or some other agent of competence has to be brought in to save NLers from themselves, as well as to purge every last one of those bloody partisan culprits in both the bureaucracy and government while they're at it.
“If there are no consequences for the architects of this folly then justice is but a charade.” … True story, and as citizens become more desperate from going without nutrition, life-support medications, and sustainable levels of warmth in their homes…. there may well be politicians' blood in the streets also. We'll see.
Yes, it will be like economic genocide. I want nothing better than to look back in 5 years and say how wrong i was (i.e population growth, markets for muskrat, private sector employment, etc) i just dont see it happening right now. Merry Christmas everybody.
Dunderdale had assumed …and she thought! We all KNOW "what thought did"!
Two bombshells: 1. that she sanctioned without the FLG, thinking it was secured when it wasn't , and 2, the issue of 500 M risk deception, big issues.
And of Vardy saying NS snookered us every which way. Also did not Nalcor permit them, as a final giveaway, to use OUR island hydro as an anchor to permit them to build more wind capacity? Recall Stan Marshall comparison of the flywheel as a voltage stabiliser, (for the Holyrood generators when used as synchronous condensers)? So too, all our 1750 MW hydro or thermal units act as flywheels to permit wind generation to be stable.
This means that we can benefit from wind generation or permit NS, once connected via the ML to benefit. Nalcor gave NS that free of charge too did we not? One of the things Ed martin had in his arse pocket to get NS on board. This concession is worth many tens of millions of dollars, and prevents us form scaling up wind on the island. Does PENG@ agree? Wind that was in 2012 capable of 7 cents per kwh, and now could be at 4 cents per kwh for Nlfd.
But as to whether Dunderdale is dumb or clever,: apparently no one, of the 24 lawyers at the Inquiry noticed her comment was false, made me laugh. Some anon on the last post made a sarcastic reference as to TV loads,and was aware: she stated that she was ridiculed at the House of Assembly debate for stating that people now having 2 or 3 TVs per household was one factor driving the forecast demand growth.
In Learmonth's style, the question should have been posed to her : "But do you realise that adding more TVs likely reduces and not add to energy use or demand increase in winter, for electrically heated houses, and may actually reduce it"?
It seems the false logic of KD escaped all lawyers at the Inquiry, (inclding maybe electrical engineer Kate O'Brien, and that KD either misled the Inquiry as she misled the public, points to the need of an expert Energy Efficiency consultant as proposed by PlanetNl.
An understanding of the Interactive Effect, as explained by ICF and maybe also by Maebec, at a cost to ratepayers of 300,000 dollar each, would expose whether Dunderdale was dumb or clever. Dunderdale had access to world class experts she claimed, unlike regular ratepayers who might be fooled by her assertion about TVs and power demand growth.
Does even Stratton, the forecaster know if KD was correct or wrong?
Winston Adams
So, who of the enablers gave the best show and performance at the Inquiry?
Which the best lawyer and worst?
Who came off seen doing their best over the years to prevent and expose the MFs fiasco?
PF
Well, Erin was the Best lawyer. LOL
M. Bernier has a full complement of candidates, he says.
Who funds his new party?
What is the party position on MF?
I looked it up.
More blather I expect, with one nugget.
I have come to realize over the past year that this party is too intellectually and morally corrupt to be reformed.
I know for a fact that many in the caucus privately oppose supply management. But buying votes in a few key ridings is more important than defending the interests of all Canadians.
The whole strategy of the party is to play identity politics, pander to various interest groups and buy votes with promises, just like the Liberals.
Maybe Bruno signed up?
Is this your idea of a new party?
Shall we call it the spawn of Tom?
Nope, but he decries on national stage those things you, Bruno, despise on provincial level. Spawn of Max won’t get much further national popular appeal than sarcasm, imho. I could be wrong.
But, if times are going to change, and if Max makes headway, what would his stand in MF be, should someone ask?
Can we, the proletariat of NL, learn anything from Max’s rebellion?
At least he is standing up, unlike anyone about here.
At some point oppression, and the MF deal is an unjust andundeserved oppression, turns to rebellion, just takes a cadre of committed leaders.
I am too old for the barricades but, as I said before, I can still carry communiques and make tea.
Tor you are not ready for the barricades but you can make tea and carry the toilet paper? I will pass on your revolution, all the fun is on the front lines!
Things won't change until it gets really bad, and even then, we have a safety valve because people can go anywhere in Canada and legally reside, work and collect social benefits. If we were an independent country and suffering like Romania in 1989, then I could see radical change.
Unless a political party is crowed funded (or publicly funded)it will be under the control of its major financial sponsors. The leader will be pre-approved by its sponsors, will tell the public whatever it wants to hear in order to get elected, and then renege on just about anything of importance.
When the liberals got in power, they owed $885,000 all was forgiven. This is corruption as they were effectively bought off for future financial favors. "Ball wouldn't comment on exactly how much interest was forgiven, and also did not specify which institutions waived those fees."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/banks-did-liberals-a-favour-with-debt-interest-forgiveness-duff-conacher-1.3091480
A quote from the inquiry mentions various banks. How many of these banks forgave Liberal party loan interest when Ball got elected? Anything to do with influencing a potential future loan default? Financial favors by banks to established political parties should be illegal.
MR. T. WILLIAMS:Okay.
But I trust there has to be some due diligence by TD, Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal, RBC –these groups that are going to extend literally billions of dollars –that we have to come in here wit
h a cost estimate that’s three times the value of the project that (inaudible)
https://www.muskratfallsinquiry.ca/files/November-1-2018.pdf
Breezed through the AG Report on Eddie's resignation from nalcor as CEO. And as I had mentioned, Eddie was running the show in meeting with the premier. Ball , as was his normal procedure when dealing with govt. The previous govt had created a monster and lost control, so Frankeistein ruled supreme, being responsible to no one, not even itself, as evident by phase 1 of the inquiry. No controls on over spending or time to complete, in addition to we did not need The Power and it was not the least cost power. So in the meeting of April 19th. 2016 with ball et al he gave the premier two options. He would remain as CEO, with full public support by the ball government, including unfettered control and authority over govt.as well as muskrat, as he was accustomed to. When ball and all balked, Eddie resigned, simple as that. Look at the witness called, mainly the same as those at the inquiry, did include Board members and Padden himself. All part of the nalcor gang. My God, what kind of verdict could one expect. Now as most know, I am no supporter of ball, but I do support any premier that has the guts to stand up to nalcor which has been missing since its inception. Yep, got away with blue murder, and thumbing his nose on the stand says average Joe.
Anony @ 18:23 (AJ?):
Not sure how you reached that determination – from my reading DB et al had no idea what was in the employment contract. EM got his entitlement (2yrs pay and various benefits) – not unlike others similarly dismissed over the past 20yrs.
It is not unusual for employees to give ultimatums (infact several here have called on Nalcor employees to do just that). My blame for this situation is 2-fold: on DW for issuing an employment contract with such terms and to DB for not understanding said contract and his naivety in handling the situation.
I am not a fan of EM, but I will agree with him on this – the Liberals could have avoided this package if they handled it properly.
PENG2
PENG2, I think it is irrevelant at the time if ball knew or not what was in the contract. The only thing that was important at the time was what was the official protocal between the head of nalcor and the premier. And how did he separate from nalcor as CEO. Was it a (1)straight regisnation (II) dismissal with cause (IIi )dismissal without cause. Let that fact be established first of all and then settle his entitlement accordingly. But agree that there was no official protocol, the meetings were mainly verbal, nothing written so it muddied the waters of what actually happened. So how could any proper determination be reached or established. EM was familiar with dealing with the premier of the day on an equal or from a superior position, so he approached the premier with that mind frame, by giving an ultimatum. Wonder what is the protocol between Stan the man and ball today. Nothing wrong with a casual conversation, but at an official level, or for serious business, hope it is in writing to the minister of natural resources, then if necessary in writing to the premier, and death with officially at that level, or if necessary at the cabinet level. No more of the shannigans of a directly path beaten between the CEO and the premier, and excluding all others. You tell me how it should be, and maybe what it actually is says AJ.
Anony @ 14:48 (AJ?):
The issue is that DB (and SC) were advised what the board was doing – ie a termination without cause. DB (and SC) were also advised that that the dealings with EM were solely at the Boards discretion.
To me, the issues with the wording of the employment contract are DW related, how the termination was handled was a DB caused problem – the biggest part of the problem.
So we understand the employment contract, if it was a resignation – only the $1.4M severance was affected, the $4.7M pension would still have gone to EM. To me this is a bit odd because until 2016, qualified members of the public service had severance for all reasons other than terminated with cause (even if they resigned).
PENG2
Anony @ 14:48 (AJ?):
https://www.thewesternstar.com/living/ceo-will-earn-over-400000-140752/
An interesting link – GT got 1yrs severance when he quit, even though it wasn't part of his contract. Also describes the VK contract, not sure if there is a better description of either available.
I wont say either is right – but the public needs to keep perspective on what the root problem is.
PENG2
You may be more familiar with what was going on at the time than I am, but it was not as simple as you mentioned, otherwise it would have been straight forward with no complications. So, why were there meetings with the CEO and the premier and an ultimatum give by the CEO, to back him publicly or he would resign. Did the premier not hire him in the beginning, so if you have the authority to hire I guess you have the authority to fire. And with only 4 members on the Board, I think Eddie called the shots there too, if you follow the inquiry. And if the Board was working in the best interest of the people rather than the CEO then they would not have all resigned when the CEO did. Yes, there was a rot in Nalcor as well as Denmark. So it was all cooked up well in advance by Eddie and the Board of his finincial escape. Cheers, average Joe.
I think Dennis Browne had it right whens he said there was an"unholy alliance" between government and Nalcor.
I don't think he expected it to continue after the Liberals took over though —- the more things change………
It is quite evident from the testimony of the colossal dupe Dunderdale at the CIMFP as to how much she was intimidated by The Six Million Dollar Man, as well as the child-like awe she held him in.
Indeed, the domineering spell that Martin had cast over Dunderdale is reminiscent of the unholy and ill-fated influence that Rasputin held over Alexandra of House Romanov.
That a premier would allow such a demonstrably disastrous personality dynamic to develop between herself and the head of a supposed arm's length Crown corporation speaks volumes as to the degree of unprofessionalism exhibited by this individual, as well as her abject lack of wisdom.
We cynics that see the feudal nature of NL politics are not surprised. The feudal overlords hold the keys to the kingdom whether tweedle dum or tweele dee are the government.
Wow, there may be some hope after all :
https://www.thepacket.ca/news/local/newfoundland-and-labrador-premier-reflects-on-2018-eyes-2019-general-election-271185/
Ball acknowledged that anti-Qc emotions were behind MF and that you can not be angry and smart at the same time.
Last thing to hope is Ball will choose to be smart over being angry. UG and MA failed to do so. Let's hope he will manage to do it.
Another hateful post from a cowardly type. Show your face.
And more typical BS from you…
Good day and a Merry Christmas to you all. I am a transplanted Nova Scotian now living in Newfoundland. I have watched this insanity (which it is) unfold now for 5 years and I can honestly say those responsible for this MESS should “somehow” be held accountable.
I worked in construction for most of my life – quit bad jobs, been fired BUT – NEVER was I given a bonus for quitting. That’s retarded !!!
Now I am not a highly educated man BUT in all my 70 years I have never seen such criminality that will not be righted.
Wayne, some unsolicited advice… don't make close friends here, or meet a woman you might want to marry, or set your roots so deep as to make it difficult to bail out of here.
This excuse of a "province" has always been run like a northern banana republic by a never-ending parade of dimwits, nitwits and culprits, and it's your money they're intent on taxing and pissing away.
See you back in NS!
After 70 years, I am sure Wayne is quite capable of making his own decisions without unsolicited advice from either you or me, and probably knows more about this province than either of us.
"Fortuitously, O’Brien and Learmonth have been gifted the skills of interrogation, each one displaying the painstaking artistry of the dentist’s drill."
Give me a break. The approach of these two fools is putting the whole inquiry at risk of not learning anything. Unless they take a different approach with some key witnesses in phase 2 and 3, we will see more pushback that stonewalling by the likes of Martin.
Don't forget as well as O’Brien and Learmonth being a bust
Da judge has a rubber chicken
Here come da judge!
Bruno,you know what you can do with your rubber chicken.It's getting stale.
Truth hurt TM?
Not as much as plain stupidity like yours…
You doubt the judge has a metaphorical rubber chicken? Assign no blame by design, remember? Or is metaphor too rich for you?
Just recently checked out the the judge with the rubber chicken on you tube from the 1960s. Bruno,who can often be crass, but like his first opinion with Stan Marshall is right again, I suggest. This is a show mostly. Did the Inquiry in Quebec, construction corruption not find blame?
PF
Vote for Pigmeat Leblanc, President
I am the judge, vote for Pigmeat
I am the judge, vote for Pigmeat
Now, everybody knows I am the judge
Do the hueklebuck until the rising sun
Gimme a pigfoot and a bottle of gin
Move me, 'cause I'm in my sin
Gimme a pigfoot and a bottle of beer
Billie Holiday
This comment has been removed by the author.
Now,,,if only Ball could grow a set like Pallister..
https://nationalpost.com/news/job-cuts-ahead-layoff-protection-for-manitobas-civil-servants-about-to-end
That's a sure-fire election tactic for Crosbie…
Promise the electorate that he'll discontinue that vile, despicable BALL/BENNETT DEFICIT LEVY, and any resulting shortfalls in government revenues will be covered off by massive cuts to the most hideously bloated and least cost-effective public service of all of Canada.
Guaranteed Crosbie will have my vote if he puts a plank like that in his election platform.
Surely you jest if you think Crosbie would consider such a tactic thereby drawing the ire of the public service, one of the largest voting blocs in the land.
All part of the false economy perpetrated by the cynical partisan fools and short-sighted dimwits comprising the NL government.
Make no mistake about it though, eventually they'll run out of other people's money to piss away propping up their horrendously bloated public service.
Those fiscal chickens will eventually come home to roost, and it ain't gonna be pretty… in fact it'll be downright ugly, very ugly indeed.
The BALL LIBERALS' "Deficit Reduction LEVY" is in fact supposed to be temporary, or so they say…
https://www.fin.gov.nl.ca/fin/tax_programs_incentives/personal/temp_drl.html
No matter, I made sure to increase my RRSP contributions to the degree that the levy those blood-suckers gouged out of me was more than 100% offset by what they were able to collect from me on income tax.