A debate on a potential deal to develop Churchill Falls and Gull Island will start on Monday but the Liberals and the NDP have concerns about it. The four day event will include members of the negotiating team, advisors, experts, NL Hydro, the federal government and more. At a media scrum yesterday, Energy Minister Lloyd Parrott told reporters why a 40 minutes Question Period will take place during the end of each day. He says it’s to provide fluidity so experts can speak and if Question Period was earlier during the day they would be questions about nothing.
Opposition leader John Hogan says there is zero actual debate. He says government will only be available for questions for a total of two hours in the four days and questions are capped at 45 seconds each.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn has written the Premier outlining what needs to be done to get the party’s support on a deal; an independent review by the PUB, a vote on definitive agreements, and approval from the Innu Nation.
The special sitting will take place from September 14 to September 17.
