Premier Tony Wakeham side-stepped questions today about this province’s negotiating team for the Churchill Falls MOU.

Karl Smith, one of three chosen to lead the team by the previous government, told CBC this week he doesn’t know if he’s still on it or not, saying he hasn’t heard from the Wakeham government since they were elected.

Wakeham was repeatedly asked today about Smith’s status, and what message it sends that he’s been left in the dark?

The premier, however, would not name or discuss Smith, instead suggesting media focus elsewhere.

“I think what you need to talk about is the fact that we’ve reached out to Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro on many occasions, the president of Hydro, I’m sure, has been in contact with all members of that (team).”

VOCM News has followed up with Hydro inquiring as to the status of the negotiating committee and Mr. Smith.

Williams was one of the three on the negotiating team, along with Smith and former senior civil servant Dennis Mahoney, who retired late last year and has not been replaced.