Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham had assured the public that the three individuals reviewing the Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding would directly present their findings. However, it has been revealed that the committee members will not be attending the scheduled event on May 19 to discuss the report. The premier’s office stated that the Independent Review Committee had maintained autonomy throughout the process and had decided not to participate in the presentation.
Despite Wakeham’s initial announcement, the committee members, Chris Huskilson, Guy Holburn, and Michael Wilson, will not be present to speak on the report as previously anticipated. The opposition parties in the province expressed disappointment with this development, particularly Liberal energy critic Fred Hutton, who emphasized the significance of the reviewed agreement potentially worth over $225 billion for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Hutton raised concerns about the independence of the review committee, especially highlighting Chris Huskilson’s past involvement in the energy sector and the Muskrat Falls project. Wakeham has refrained from expressing his opinion on the Churchill Falls MOU until the report is made public. However, Hutton criticized the premier, suggesting that a final agreement might never be reached under Wakeham’s leadership.
Furthermore, NDP Leader Jim Dinn echoed Hutton’s sentiments, questioning the transparency of the PC government and the handling of the review process. Dinn emphasized the need for clarity on who is overseeing the situation and where inquiries regarding the report should be directed.
The presentation of the Churchill Falls MOU review report is scheduled to be broadcast live on CBC platforms on May 19 at 12:30 p.m. NT.