Government has no idea how much the proposed Lower Churchill will cost nor does government know how they are going to pay for it, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.

 “We ask simple and straightforward questions looking for estimates on costs for the Lower Churchill project and how government plans to pay for it.  Minister Kathy Dunderdale is unable to provide any answers,” said Ms. Jones. 

 The government’s Energy Plan outlines components of the Lower Churchill Project including dams and transmission lines from Labrador to the island and across to Holyrood.  Government plans to sell the power to the northeastern US states through a Maritime transmission line through New Brunswick or Nova Scotia.

 “From the lack of government answers response to questions and from our own independent research, it is clear that government’s Lower Churchill project has not been properly costed.  Government has failed to secure funding because the federal government relationship and the world economy have both soured.  And now recent statements from New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham reveal that the Maritime provinces are looking for concessions to allow transmission through their jurisdiction just like Quebec has always sought concessions”, says Jones.

 Graham was quoted recently as putting Newfoundland and Labrador on notice that he has no intention of allowing power to be transmitted across New Brunswick if it was going to jeopardize his province’s own projects and unless his province was also going to benefit from the transmission.

 “Government needs to be more forthcoming with information if they want this project to be taken seriously,” says Jones.