A former PC Party leader warns that Newfoundland and Labrador is giving up its “crown jewel” by signing a new deal on the Upper Churchill.

Lawyer Ches Crosbie believes Premier Tony Wakeham has “chosen a potentially disastrous path” for the province.

Crosbie, who calls the deal the “most important decision the province has faced since Confederation,” accuses Wakeham of rushing into the deal without a proper independent review.

“Does it make us the principal beneficiaries? That’s the question. That is the test. How do we make an educated decision on that in a rush without proper expert review?”

“I’m sure that Tony Wakeham, as opposition leader, would have agreed we can’t without a proper review. And I’m calling on Tony Wakeham as Premier to see that this is the right thing to do.”