Among those who voted against the deal last night was Lake Melville MHA Keith Russell who outlined the reasons why in final statement in the House of Assembly yesterday.

Russell sent shockwaves through the Legislature on Monday when he stood on a Point of Privilege to announce his departure from the PC Caucus to sit as an Independent.

He spoke passionately in the House yesterday, outlining the reasons why he chose to quit the government side of the legislature.

He says a key reason was how the Innu Nation is being treated by government.

“We have to talk about this project being on Innu land, and the Innu Nation should be respected during this process, and they have not been. I can say that this government has given them the ultimate disrespect in challenging their identity and their history in Labrador.”

Russell also outlined the serious social issues facing Happy Valley-Goose Bay since the Muskrat Falls project and his inability to have those needs adequately addressed.

“We’re in chaos and we’re in crisis in Lake Melville right now and our children are dying. We have violence, we have violent crime. We don’t have enough resources, we don’t have enough infrastructure, we don’t have enough people. We have murders, and people walking the streets with shotguns that are commonplace Mr. Speaker. This is not good enough in today’s society. For a year I’ve asked this government for help. What do we get? Nothing! Lip service, over and over and over again.”