Opposition Leader David Brazil is reacting to an allNewfoundlandLabrador article highlighting several government decisions that have been “shielded” from the public.
According to Brazil, the report notes “dozens” of Premier Andrew Furey’s decisions that were hidden from the public until the media outlet chased the issue.
One of those decisions, says Brazil, is a new Churchill River Energy Analysis Team chaired by Brenden Paddick.
Brazil alleges that the Furey government doesn’t believe that conversations about future hydroelectric development on the Churchill River, headed by “a close personal friend” is relevant to the public interest.
He goes on to note that government didn’t disclose the creation of a cabinet committee on cyber security late last year and that it was Furey’s decision—not the decision of the NL Centre for Health Information, to terminate the employment of their former CEO.
Brazil is calling on Furey to explain the situation and commit to total transparency of cabinet decisions.
NDP Reaction
(File photo.)
Meanwhile, NDP MHA Jordan Brown has issued a statement on the situation.
He says Paddick’s appointment is another example of the government “giving every opportunity they can to their rich friends behind closed doors.”
Brown notes that the appointment happened as people in the province are dealing with cost increases and a declining population.
Brown says the government needs to be transparent, and the Premier needs to be honest about his intentions.
Government Reaction
Premier Andrew Furey contends that the reason why Brazil is aware of such government activities is that they share them publicly.
As for the Churchill River Energy Analysis Team, Furey says people in the province “benefitted greatly” from Paddick’s work with the rate mitigation team, and it’s “only prudent” to continue to rely on their expertise to inform the work of the 2041 panel.
Furey concludes by saying government enjoys regular and open debate in the House of Assembly, public consultations, and ensures openness and transparency while respecting appropriate legislation.
