Opposition leader David Brazil is reacting to an article from all over Newfoundland Labrador highlighting several government decisions that have been “protected” from the public.
According to Brazil, the report notes “dozens” of decisions by Prime Minister Andrew Furey that were hidden from the public until the media pursued the issue.
One such decision, says Brazil, is a new Churchill River energy analysis team chaired by Brenden Paddick.
Brazil alleges that the Furey government does not believe that talks on future hydroelectric development on the Churchill River, led by “a close personal friend,” are relevant to the public interest.
He goes on to point out that the government did not disclose the creation of a cabinet committee on cybersecurity late last year and that it was Furey’s decision, not the decision of the NL Health Information Center, to terminate the occupation of its former CEO.
Brazil is asking Furey to explain the situation and commit to the full transparency of cabinet decisions.
NDP reaction
(Archive photo.)
Meanwhile, NDP MHA Jordan Brown has issued a statement on the situation.
He says Paddick’s appointment is another example of the government “giving every opportunity they can to their wealthy friends behind closed doors”.
Brown notes that the appointment occurred when people in the province are facing rising costs and a declining population.
Brown says the government needs to be transparent and the prime minister needs to be honest about his intentions.
Government reaction
Prime Minister Andrew Furey says the reason Brazil is aware of these government activities is that they are publicly shared.
As for the Churchill River Energy Analysis Team, Furey says people in the province “benefited greatly” from Paddick’s work with the tariff mitigation team, and he is “just cautious.” continue to rely on your experience to report the work of the 2041 panel.
Furey concludes by saying that the government enjoys regular and open debates in the House of Assembly, public consultations and ensures openness and transparency while respecting appropriate legislation.