TIME TO TAKE REALISM TO THE POLLS

Let me see if I have this right? We have a provincial population, smaller than the population of a medium sized city. We have the highest unemployment in our country.

But we want 50,000 km of perfect pavement and we want it cleared of snow in the winter and clear of moose all year around. We want multi-million dollar ferries to every island around our island and icebreakers to keep them running. We want state of the art healthcare in all of a our backyards with no wait time. We want our seniors taken care of. We want low taxes little or no fees. We don’t want a deficit. We want an uninterrupted power supply. We want uninterrupted ferry service to the mainland. We want a tunnel to Labrador.

I’m sure the list just goes on.

Anybody else think the people of this province need to wake up and smell the roses.

Anybody really think this is possible.

Government, no matter who they are cannot manage a province with these expectations and no money.

If you can solve this riddle, you are not a politician, you are a magician.

If this province is to survive, we will need changes in the way we think and a damn miracle.

Wakeup: Of course you use hyperbole as to our wants.
Example ;
1. as to uninterrupted power supply. 2.8 hrs per year has been the standard achieved long term. No one complains with that, but it may get much worse.
2. As to no health care wait times. is not 12 months for a colon scope exam too long? Or 2 to 2.5 years for a neurology consult?
3. Or to send a CT scan to an out of province facility for a second opinion, to take a 2 or 3 days or longer via courier, when it could be done, for lower cost, in 30 minutes over the internet? Some cases are urgent and life and death issues.
Is any of this expecting too much?
I can suggest a simple low cost, or no cost solution to the last item, yet not a magician.
Winston Adams

After the debacle that first past the post has manifested in NL electing unaccountable strongmen with a megalomaniacal bent how can you disparage proportional representation as a questionable institutional change?

PR offers the only hope for a responsive and responsible government. If not PR perhaps Danny can be resurrected and elevated to his throne for solutions to 22 cent power rates!

Only proportional representation can save your failed democracy if anything can. NL is still in denial about what a disgrace to your province the emperor was! Empty the rats nest at Nalcor and move to PR to save your future!

Big hydro uncertainties

https://physicsworld.com/a/big-hydro-uncertainties/

"It found that, although net emissions were reduced, countries relying on hydro power saw poverty, corruption and debt levels rise and their economy slow at significantly greater rates than nations that used other energy resources." Sound familiar???

I agree with most of this commentary, especially concerning our needs and wants. I've been saying for years that we must lower our expectations, curb our conspicuous consumerism and simplify, simplify, simplify. All the $400,000-homes and $80,000-pickup trucks, all the so-called toys (time to grow up) and mid-life addictions need to go. Alcoholism is rampant, as it always was. Crystal meth, cocaine and opioids are killing us, literally, as suicides soar. Bubba Newfie Jack, with ball cap on backwards, pig-Latin Newfinese in full, uninterpretable, ignorant flight, and the crack of his hairy arse popping from blubbery gut-filled jeans and stinking up a kilometre-radius of surroundings, might consider reading a book or two. When asked what I did for a living, I once foolishly confessed to Bubba Newfie Jack that writing is my vocation, to which he replied, "Get out of here, my son. We don't want your likes around here." That is no lie. Newfieland is — excepting a few educated societal pockets — a blue collar, dumbed down jurisdiction that were it American would support Trump. Education is shunned while Snook remains revered. And we are too cowardly to face that fact. Neither Crosbie nor Ball appeared at the recent teachers' association event to debate our education system's woes. Rhetorically speaking, what does that say about our attitude toward the ideal of an enlightened society? This is why we now face an election offering imagination-challenged, predatorial, neo-liberals Ball and Crosbie — dullards deluxe. Like those two, the other two probably being worse, if that is possible — prattle on with platitudes about obvious issues while offering no solutions let alone details. They are hoary products of a hoary society that, due to its micro-mindedness, has lost any ability to conceptualize on a macro level, hence continuously searches for a savoir to sate its hunger for someone to crucify. I could go on, but why, other than to say that because of the dim and depressing political leadership we are being offered this election, I fervently disagree with the flaccid propaganda that, for democracy's sake, each of us must vote. To do so, with the above-mentioned products of our society being our only choices, would be an insult to anything approaching civic duty.

The debt crisis will not be solved by catering to self interest groups such as the teachers and other unions. Ask not what you can do for your province but only what your province can do for you.

Charlie Brown is getting the stuffing kicked out of him this morning by an animated Learmonth. He is exposing the "Oversight Committee" as a Nalcor clone doing no oversight.

"how can we attract immigrants to replace our aging population if an over-indebted economy discourages investment and job creation?"

Immigration is not the problem. It is emigration. Our population is smaller than it was in the 1970s while the rest of Canada doubled in size. There has been an recent and drastic drop in the 0-9 year old population. Our graduates cannot find employment and are leaving.

We can bring in thousands of immigrants. They will leave just as our children do, and for the same reasons.

The problem is the economy. We were fishing and fish processing. Unless we can reinvent ourselves, we will dwindle away to about 250,000 people who like the life style or managed to snag a federal job.

If I was to have a crack at increasing the population, I would offer land grants or leases so that any Canadian could come here and get a homestead. This was common in late 1800s and I believe would be wildly popular.

Here are some ideas that would help:

– Set up a threshold to unpave roads and revert to gravel (some US states do that). It costs a quarter million an km to mill and fill.

– increase K-12 class size, my generation received a decent education with only grade 11 and 30+ kids per class. Get rid of the English school board and have a single, lean organization. Offer distance education to small communities with single digit enrollment. Borrow curriculum from another province.

– Reorganize the entire civil service and analyze all procedures. At least 50% of the confederation building is useless, not because of laziness, but because of chaos and lack of direction. Fire management (director/ADM/DM) across the board and have public competitions for the best people.

– Find the brightest people in every department (they may be at the bottom of the org chart) and get them to lead change. You can go to any government office and people will can tell you what is wrong.

– There are existing studies that cover everything you can think of and we have been commissioning these since the 1970s. Once written, they are almost always shelved. Roads, marine transport, economic development, hydro development etc. They should all be public and easy to find on a web site. We need to start implementing many of the recommendations in these studies. There were also good ideas on the governments "Dialog" site before it was taken down.

– Sell off the liquor corporation. GNL will still get is cut via tax.

– Talk to font line doctors – they will tell you where terrible inefficiencies and abuses are in the health care system. End those abuses. They will also tell you where more staff are needed to support our aging population.

– Accountability: we need to aggressively go after the bad actors that have abused this place. Public servants need to know that there are repercussions for enabling public frauds or doing things that the vast majority of citizens would strongly agree is wrong/immoral.

These are ideas worth considering and there are many more that need to be brought forth. There is one issue, certainly one of this province's biggest issues, but nobody dares speak of it: our underground economy, practically tax-free and comprised primarily of people receiving some sort of government assistance. I.e., people who pay substantially less in taxes. How much revenue is government losing there? By taxing that huge, false economy, might our province reap desperately needed revenue while saving legal businesses and workers from being fiscally nailed? I don't know how we'd go about policing and legitimizing that black market — or at least a portion of it — without adversely affecting those involved. Or may these people be brought on board in a positive fashion? Are there case studies and actual programs and experiments in other jurisdictions around the world that have worked? One thing is clear: our underground economy eats into the real economy's tax base by generating a great deal of untaxed income and profit. It's a double whammy world where individuals receive money from taxpayers without financially contributing much to socioeconomic concerns.

I take polls for what I pay for them – not much. But I would say that with a series of polls there is likely an indication.

Currently (and considering past NL voting history of not usually ousting an elected premier) I would guess that DB will be reelected.

I think this is probably why the Liberals didn't respond to the MFCCC request to commit on a Spur assessment – the Liberals expect to be re-elected and the NL Alliance / NDPs being also-rans wont form a government and forced to live up to a commitment. Does this mean the PCs sort of expect to lose – if I were a gambler I would say probably yes.

In any event, as long as the 6-7 MHAs/ADMs who previously voted for MF and are running lose their seats I would be happy enough.

PENG2

What was the content of the email sent by Meany to Bown…… was it that everyone at Govn knew the cost had jumped 300 million, but Bown says he does not know who he learned that from, just knows he knew some 6 months later by the paper trail?
Was Meany trying to influence testimony….why the rebuke from Leblanc, was it more serious, I missed the first 30 minutes.
Meanwhile Learmonth hitting away at Bown, Nalcor spouting baloney, things were not stated factually, questions and answers for govn prep for media by Nalcor PR people that was not factual and misleading, so false, (and to be blunt, seems to me to be lies). Bown forced to agree with much of what Learmonth laid put.
How will Ed Martin later deflect some of his emails saying he would oppose EY…….will Leblanc have to thump his desk again? Teflon Ed ruled the roost, but govn was all in with him, is obvious.
Facts are stubborn things, and facts are starting to catch up with the lies.
Then lawyer for Ball and Coady trying to spin one day before election, saying that Nalcor trying to stop EY was all before Ball's time.
But I seem to recall some evidence yesterday citing Ball as Premier and he playing that game too…….maybe I misheard , if others know, but if right , then today his lawyer trying to deflect that, and Ball can't be quizzed until after the election.
Bown seems as guilty as sin, his memory deficit response. Meanwhile, under his watch, all this EY stifling went on, and he still with MFs under his list of projects, and more under another department, so a promotion……….by Ball.
Learmonth asking Bown why he didn't order Nalcor to comply to assist EY…….and Bown with this expression as if this approach, having spine, is never an option. So it is that all get rewarded as being yes men and yes women. No spine.
So, of all running, the biggest slime ball is Ball.And always a smile like like Walmarts lowest price yellow sticker, so too, promising lower power rates than Ches. Can Ches's Honesty Act catch him? What a gutter ball business.
And nary a green party to vote for. Pity.
I would vote for Bruno, except he favours native coal and gas, so at best is pale pale green, with specks of red and blue.
Winston Adams

Talk all you want about deficits, nobody cares until the services stop. A fundamental difference between personal debt and government debt. Personal debt, they repossess. Nobody in NL will change anything until they repossess.
When Crosbie's handling of Normore displayed his dangerous incompetence as a leader, I looked around. And saw no difference. just fine-tuning a few details here and there. Nobody will do what needs to be done until they are forced to, and we are not near that. And who blames them? Who wants libraries closed, as long as we can muddle through?
The comments about ignorant Newfs was just ignorant. Newfoundland has a fine history of education. Were the nuns and brothers brutes? Maybe some, but education happened. The real Newfoundland tragedy is not what happened in 1949 or 1969, but the drift from independence of thought to dependence on the government to do your thinking for you.

Just to comment on Mr Tranquilla testimony. He was involved for Nalcor as to the dome, a 100 million waste.
His testimony showed a sincere capable guy. He said of about 20 involved with this, only 1 other had some experience with such structures. He himself had worked on such structures larger than this one, and they are common for the mining industry. Someone had told him that he was the only one at the site with good knowledge with these structures, but he had no authority.
He said the structure could have been of value. But they started the structure late, Sept , I believe, and essentially nothing could be done after November. He said that this should have started in May or June, to be complete before winter. Seems late signing of contracts with Astaldi was the reason for the late start.
Now it is common sense working in Labrador, building houses or schools or anything, the necessity of working with the short construction season.
Even Our Labrador fishery saw thousands travel by schooner or coastal boat in June and back by October, beyond that you could be trapped there all winter on the coast.
PENG2, is this a result of engineering or management, and if management, is that by engineers?
Even on the island, starting late on awarding tenders has been the hallmark for decades in Nfld, causing delays and problems for contractors, but caused by government officials. It is carelessness and no accountability. But when part of a mega project, it can be crippling.
So, 100 million tore down and given away for scrap, as if it was a mere 10,000 dollars.
The scrapped dome cost could have paid for a 100MW Bruno battery, or a nice wind farm, or a back up gas turbine, or incentives for HPs for 30,000 houses, or half the cost of a new mental health facility or jail, to replace existing ones around since President Lincoln times.
And seems the Astaldi contract allowed them to get paid for time, not production (like most lawyers sitting at the Inquiry who asks no questions).
The poor ratepayer. Who got their hands in your wallet? Too many to count.
Meanwhile, the new scallywag ads on TV, an older woman putting clothes on a line to save on her power bill,what an insult, as Synapse, another consultant with hands in our pockets, praises minisplits, time shifting, EVs etc. Fortis, Nfld Power, Nfld Hydro, Nalcor…..all with their hands in your wallets, with the worst CDM in Canada, and content with that. And customers don't complain. No more than 1 in 100 ratepayers, I suggest, knows what CDM is, and that not good , sincequestionable if MFs ever operates, or little unreliability.
Winston Adams

What goes round and round; Follow the money. What effect in NL has Muskrat Ramble had on house prices, car sales on the island? Was cash flow from offshore activity slushed to the few, at the expense of the taxpayer? BC has called a General Inquiry, (Just like NL), to find out who benefitted;

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/money-laundering-public-inquiry-decision-1.5136952

The inquiry was all about the Liberals getting re-elected ! This will be done today. Nothing else about the inquiry will matter after today. I will say though that it almost back-fired for Ball !

No, the oil glut has not gone away;

https://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/No-The-Oil-Glut-Hasnt-Disappeared.html?utm_source=browser&utm_medium=push_notification&utm_campaign=PushCrew_notification_1558040833&_p_c=1

Demand seems to be topping. What's the rush to drain NL offshore, acting like greedy Alberta oil barons? This could affect Finance Minister's blue sky forecast Revenues, to pay down the Muskrat debt.

Should it be BREAKING NEWs that govn has been involved in destroying note books kept by these scallwags?
This morning that was stated , and seems to have been raised as a possibility before, as they were missing, but that destruction has occurred, did I hear right?
No crime there…….because it is accepted policy? Lebalnc suponeaed records and notebooks last year, and only not this an issue? He is now concerned and wants answered. If burned, bad for global warming, so no crime.
Has any media to day reported on that, or I got it wrong?
Winston

Read Mr. Hollett's post of today, predicting a minority government, and indicating it is not good as we will be back to the poles in 6 months. Can't disagree if his numbers are right. When I was predicting and hoping for a minority government several months ago, I was counting on the NDP, a well established party getting a half dozen seats or so and forming a coalition with one of the other major parties, and providing a fairly stable govt. for maybe 4 years. But when you are counting on one independant guy here and another there then that will not last, as he will be easily bought off. Anyone remember Tom Burgess an independant from lab city. No one could depend on him, he was back and forth between the two parties like a yo-yo. But as I said before the NDP screwed it up for not only themselves but also the province, as now I doubt they will get any more than a seat. A collation govt. is what we need right now, but no chance, and one or two radicals will not achieve that. We needed a coalition govt. as they could hold their feet to the fire and make some right decisions that is just not in the ruling parties interest. Most of Europe is run by coalition govt. Lester Pearson back in the 60's had two successive successful minority govts.In Canada. If you would just look up what they achieved or laid the foundation for, it eas everything we take for granted today, like Medicare, Canada pension plan, a bilingual country, the Maple Leaf Flag, just to mention a few. And he had in his cabinet, what turned out to be 3 prime ministers, Trudeau, Turner, and Chretian. He also had Paul Martin senior, and Paul Martin junior also became a prime minister. In those days the best and the brightest were in politics for their country as it was a more honerable profession then. Now I won't forget the PC prime ministers of the time either, John Definbaker, joe Ckark, and Brian Mulroney. And of course let's not forget Tommy Douglas. And maybe we should not forget our own John Crisbie, who never became premier, but took a shot at the top job of becoming prime minister. Heard people on open line today saying I will vote for my member who can do something for me. We are at a critical and dire time in our province where we all need to be saying what can I do for my province, before we have to say, "she's gone by, she's gone" and this time down the road it could actually happen if we continue on the same borrowing binge. Joe blow, average Joe, AJ.

You all seem to want media coverage;

https://thenarwhal.ca/a-reckoning-for-muskrat-falls/

Pretty good summary wouldn't you say?

This one is for Keith, and any angry oil and pipeline promoters;

https://energi.media/deep-dives/debunked-vivian-krauses-tar-sands-campaign-conspiracy-narrative/

Not much on UG about the election…..? ? It should be a no brainer, independant Paul Lane should be speaker of the house to stabilize a government. Paul has been a former member of both major parties, and now an independent. What better role for an independent. What does the law of the land say, what is tradition, does the speaker have to come from the governing party? Where are the constitutional experts. Formally appointed by the premier, but now voted on by all members. What does Paul Lane say… Ask Joe blow.

The budget is not going to be easy to pass. If they propose a steady-state a budget for the only the basic funding for government to operate, then it will pass easily. If they include P3, layoffs, taxes up/down or anything controversial then we will have a political circus.

I found it interesting that people are willing to vote for independent candidates that they like and that the NDP got three seats despite being absent from most ridings. The PC and Lib vote percentages are very close. Ending the binary Red/Blue two headed puppet is a good thing. The puppet masters responsible for pre-selecting our leaders will have a very difficult time controlling smaller parties and independents. It is also interesting that the majority of people did not vote for the ruling party so they have no claim to a mandate from the general population.

From a overspending perspective, the inability to ram through huge long term contracts (P3 for healthcare and jail) is a good thing. Also, without a budget, government departments wont have a "program" to release anytime soon so all large expenditures will be on hold yet the construction season has already started. Failing to spend all the budget this fiscal year means less money borrowed.

On the flip side, there is no way everyone will agree on painful measures such as downsizing government programs required to live within our means. I expect the status-quo will be maintained for a little longer and the cans will continue to be kicked down our faintly striped, water-based painted roads.

The minority Government situation is proof that both the major parties have weak leaders. Crosbie needs to look in his own mirror too. Problem is there is no maverick heir apparent who can break from the party elites to offer anything new or honest in either party. We may be into a stalemate for a more lengthy period of stagnation than expected.

For conclusive evidence that polls are fit only for dogs see:
"What we're seeing is that Ches Crosbie and the PCs do have an advantage. It's small, but it's outside the margin of error of the poll," said Abacus Data CEO David Coletto.

I feel an urge to use that poll!

Lie early and often to pollsters to relieve that urge to trust them. Now excuse me while I raise my leg!

Coletto and his pal Powers are partisan hacks! They peddle bullshit to confuse voters.

Seems there were quite a few like-minded fellow citizens — good for democracy.

Here's my May 12th UG comment:—

Maurice Adams12 May 2019 at 14:42

I would add a 6th —- if only a Lib or PC option, vote for the one that would most likely help bring about a minority government.

Seems like Paul Lane may be the statesman of the lot? Statements to get down to work, work together to solve problems, and won't be bought?
Did he have a conversion on the road to Damascus?
Meanwhile Ball pledges to "stay" humble going forward. Humble? And how about honest?
Aggressive Ches has not gone over well. Apologies already.
Coffin beats her chest and says she will be formidable. Certainly, she has a lot of tongue, so a gift of the gab. Not sure of her competence in economic policy, despite being a prof at MUN in economics.Has she said anything on rate mitigation, CDM, wind energy, MFs reliability?
As to oil prices, Saudi Arabia needs $85 oil prices to balance their budget, and they with about 200 billion bbl reserves.They are actually reducing production to increase prices, which is working. So can more oil balance Nfld budgets?
MORE OIL, MORE OIL, like TIM the Toolman: MORE POWER, MORE POWER, and grunts like an ape. Bad disease, oil on the brain.Do all MHAs suffer from that?
Winston

For anyone following atmosphere CO2 ppm levels,350 was hit perhaps a decade ago. Prior to the industrial revolution it averaged about 250, so it took a log time to get to 350, which was considered higher than safe.
When it hit 400 not too long ago, some media mentioned it, most did not.
On May 11, I intended to post,( it is climbing 2-3 parts per year now), as it exceeded 415 for the first time, at 415.26.
But that record did not last long, on May 15 it hit 415.7
And Bruno thinks we can easily roll back the climate emergency.
The data is plotted on the Keeler chart, recorded high on a barren non active volcano peak in Hawaii.
WA

Anyone watching the water levels at Mud Lake Road…. Seems to be rising says average Joe.

Inquiry issues: the Telegram cites evidence this week that the management approach of control from St Johns led to failures and added costs.
And to, we know the negative fall out from reduction of the SNC responsiblities, recall: SNC people treated like slaves etc.
So, for PENG2, how much of all this is engineering and non engineering management / political decisions? There was considerable engineering talent in management, thought Ed Martin was not but Gil Bennett and others.
So, on engineering failure we see much of it, that could have been reduced with good management, but overall on a scale of 0 to 100, where would you rate engineering failure/success on this project, at this stage of the Inquiry? I think you have moved some to acknowledge engineering failure from your original position? And the show is not over yet by far.
Winston

Who will be our new Environment Minister under a minority government?
Will we have someone who will follow the example of the Mother Country, England? There in Oct 2018 they released their 74 page report "Managing the coast in a changing climate".
Over the next 60 years risk to properties is expected to increase 5 fold, from 0.1% to o.5 %. This means 1.5 million properties at risk from flooding, 1.2 million of those being houses. Also 1600 km of road, 650 km of railway line, and 92 railway stations. Sea level is expected to rise by 1.1 m by year 2100. With 0.5 m rise, 20 % of England's coastal defences are vulnerable to failure.
Recently the first town in England is scheduled to be decommissioned in 26 years from now, by decision of the council, and no compensation. Property values have fallen 40%. That town is Fairboure, 410 homes and 850 people. In 26 years they will demolish the village: houses , shops, roads, sewers, gas pipes, and electricity.
Can someone direct me to a link where Graham Letto commissioned such a risk assessment for coastal Nfld and Labrador?
As to MFs we saw 6 or 7 levels of risk assessment all buried or ignored. And too, on Friday, we saw that Noseworthy too had written on the need for oversight committee to deal with MFs risks, and that too ignored.
Given our experience with MFs, what can we expect for climate change risk for coastal NL?
The report from England notes that sea levels will keep rising for centuries from past GHG emissions, and that dramatic reductions of GHG are needed to reduce risks as now expected.
Perhaps this may explain why London and England seem to be taking the climate emergency serious, but here not an issue, as we are on a different planet, and we pump ethical oil.
Winston Adams

The deals are on, Allison Coffin and the other 2 NDP in the driver's seat. The independents are remaining independent. It is indeed time to tackle the deficit and then the massive debt, including impending MF debt. The health care system is a good place to start. Can't you hear the howling from people already, based upon the howling from a few simple tax increases of a few years ago!! Ask not what you can do for your province but only what your province can do for you!

Ah yes, the debt is at almost 50% of GDP, Allison, as an economist, should understand that serious fiscal problem that we face. Eddy Joyce has political baggage and Paul Lane's roller skates are in need of lubrication. It all makes for interesting political times in the province.

Recall that the UG piece on Choosing Wisely said 20 % saving possible on health care, so on 3 billion, that is 600 million a year, from efficient and streamlined operations. Choosing Wisely is promoted by medical professionals, is it not?
PF

With the shenanigans about to unfold at the HoA, imminent insolvency has been fast tracked in my opinion. Wall/ Bay St. couldn't care less about Backwater politics.

A few thoughts on government stability. Seems a small minority want to return to the poles today, think even VOCM 's straw pole showed that. So the people that has been elected will have to make government work for the province and the people. So first things first. Will we have a minority govt?? Most likely, but it depends on the 5 vote majority in Lab West. Will the NDP have 3 members or 2??. And the choosing of a speaker is another mile stone. Most likely it will come from the govt. side. So if we have a govt. of 21 members then it is by the slimmest of all margins, and every member is of paramount importance, that will put their province before their district and not want every nook and cranny filled with ashfelte and a dr. In every home, or a home in every community etc. That can happen in some cases if we have not chosen wisely. But, if it turns out we have a minority govt. of 20 members then it will be up to the other members, especially the NDP to decide if we have a stable govt. what that govt. does and for how long. They all say, work together for the betterment of the province. Not sure about chess, after his election speach and his cancelled news conference from Friday, that will come in the next couple of days, I guess. As for minority govts, I gave my opinion on that before the election, using Pearson's two minority govts of the 60's and what they were able to achieve, much more than the previous and following majority govts. And one may say, ball et al is no "mike" Pearson, or John Kennedy. And I agree with that. So let his leadership be tested. As I also mentioned, in most of Europe minority govts have become the norm for many years. When was the last time Isreal had a majority govt? Others will tell me. Usually they have 2 or 3 parties forming the govt., the only democracy in the Middle East. On election night last month PEI elected a minority govt of 3 parties, have not followed it to see how it worked out. Haven't heard a peep or squeak about it since. Am sure others will tell me. It will not only test every member elected, but whether we as a people are able to govern ourselves after exercising our democratic right. Or we will ramp and roar until we get a govt. with a Hugh majority that will give us things like muskrat falls all over again ask average Joe.

Before we depart this important wrap on election results, the Pollsters an Analysts need to inform us of the following;

How did less than 10% of voters produce the minority? deciding issues, and regional distribution of discontent?

What of the 40% who did not vote or spoiled their ballot? Age grouping? Issues and regional distribution.

Advice to the ruling parties, lessons learned? modification of agenda, programs and budgets?

Best of the reduced lot to choose from in cabinet appointments.

Finally, what effect if any, that Concerned Citizens on Muskrat may have had on the election outcome?

PENG2 @11:46. I struggle with your statement " most of the key decisions were't based on Engineering facts", and so you see little engineering failure overall.
I suggest much was based on engineering alternative facts, or false assumptions.
Politicians, in ignorance, might say the Anglo Saxon route is good, technical sound and economic, and select engineers who are hacks to deliver the evidence to support the political view. Is this what happened?
So the initial questions: Did we need the power, and was it lowest cost?
If this was not supported on engineering facts, and I suggest it wasn't, then the engineering to get it to sanction, with these 2 questions answered positive represents engineering failure. does it not?
Beyond sanction, the engineering false assumptions continued, but as to the first 2 questions, is there much or any defense that engineering was sound? If not , then a failure, to that point, would you agree?
Winston