An emergency debate on the future of the Terra Nova oil project took place this morning in the House of Assembly, as a couple of hundred people pushed for a solution outside on the steps of Confederation Building.
The Opposition Tories kicked off the debate by demanding full disclosure of all issues holding up the project.
Terra Nova MHA Lloyd Parrott called on all parties to waive their non-disclosure agreements so everyone will know all the facts and judge for themselves whether government is doing all it can.
Energy Minister Andrew Parsons says he’d be open to that, but says he can’t force private companies to tell all and expose their business strategies.
Meanwhile, Parsons also revealed this morning that there are other private companies who may want in on Terra Nova, adding the only hope is for the seven partners to continue talking. But with tomorrow’s Suncor-imposed deadline looming, it may be too little too late.
The government had considered buying a 15 per cent equity stake in the project, but pulled back after a deep dive determined the risk to the province would be too great. About $500-million remains on the table from the province, though the operators have indicated it’s not enough to save the project.
Debate Leads to Heated Question Period
This morning’s debate spilled over into Question Period, with testy exchanges attributed to the pressure on government to see a deal done.
With the deadline for a deal set by lead operator Suncor looming tomorrow, Premier Andrew Furey admits he may have gotten caught up in the heat and pressure of the moment.
Opposition Interim Leader David Brazil suggested the government was hiding behind non-disclosure agreements signed by all parties involved.
Furey took immediate and sharp offence, firing back by suggesting Brazil didn’t know what a so-called NDA was, let alone be able to spell it. The premier later told reporters it was said in the heat of debate and he was sorry if Brazil took offence.
Brazil later dismissed the barb as contrary to the decorum and co-operation all parties had agreed to—but refused further comment saying he didn’t want to lower himself and continue that line of discourse.
In the end, Furey said it remains in the hands of the seven partners to find a solution to restart the project.
Rumours of Come by Chance Sale
Meanwhile, Energy Minister Andrew Parsons acknowledged widespread rumours of a potential tentative deal for the Come By Chance oil refinery.
He would not elaborate as talks continue but said an end-of-month deadline remains in place to find a new operator for the facility.
Related Stories:
NOIA Releases Final Analysis of Financial Benefits of Terra Nova Project as Deadline Looms
Premier Puts Onus on Companies to Resume Terra Nova; Emergency Debate Spurs Rally at Confederation Building