Remember September 17th, 2026 … It will go down in history as one of the saddest days for our province.
Our own government has failed us again. Just 30 days after their big announcement, they pushed through the House of Assembly, the approval of a non-binding MOU 2 that is just as bad, if not worst in some instances (especially as it relates to control) as the old MOU 1.
They arranged the process to ensure that it was passed quickly and without proper vetting by the general public. They will tell you that there was 3 days of debate in the House. However, they seemed only interested in talking to those who agreed with them and despite requests and offers to discuss the matter, they would not even answer such requests. They arranged for their own so-called experts at the House of Assembly … but again only those that agreed with them.
Now we are in a very tough spot. The new government that replaced the previous one, which also sold us down the river, has sold us down the river, too. What amazes me is that they still do not seem to understand the importance of control when dealing with resources. They, like the previous government, appear to be blinded by some big numbers, and to this day fail to understand the straitjacket they have now placed the province in for the next 50 years … probably longer because by that time, Quebec will be so entrenched and embedded in Labrador and the Churchill River resources that it may be next to impossible to untangle the mess they have created. This likely means that we will never get control of the Churchill River and it’s immense resources back in the hands of Newfoundland & Labrador where it belongs.
I had such faith in the new government, and I truly felt they understood the IRC Report and what is at stake here. But the proof is in the pudding … and this pudding is an absolute disaster for the province and the next generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The Premier believes his own hype and has convinced the rest of his caucus to go along.
If only more than one patriot Newfoundlander and Labradorian had been willing to stand up for the province (Mr. Russell you are to be congratulated), we may have avoided the mess that we now find ourselves in. But unfortunately, this is where we are. Now two Premiers have sold us down the river on Churchill Falls … At least Mr Smallwood can partially blame BRINCO which was the majority owner of CFLco at the time … but the current Premier has to bear the full weight of this colossal mistake.
He and his government has deluded themselves into thinking that this is what’s best for the province and they went into the negotiating process with their eyes wide open. On balance, I think the Premier is a good man and he has some smart people around him, but smart people can make mistakes too, and this is one of them. I always felt that “there is wisdom in the crowd” but when you ignore the crowd, the chances of doing the wrong thing multiplies significantly.
Despite it all, it is still possible to get back on track, if enough people (especially MHAs) come to their senses, to undo this great injustice just heaped on the people of this province. There are examples where previous approvals in the House of Assembly have been subsequently revoked. That would be the right thing to do, but it would require considerable courage on the part of members of the P.C. Caucus.
However, the people of the province would be eternally grateful were this to happen. We need to get this IMPORTANT message to the powers that be and tell them how dissatisfied we are that they have placed us in this position.
It is also important to understand that there are suitable alternatives to this MOU 2.
We are in your hands.
Gil Dalton, BA(Econ), BCom, CPA, CA