Premier Danny Williams ripped Quebec over its approach to the development of the Lower Churchill hydro project.
He told the St. John's Board of Trade luncheon today that Quebec has done everything it can to block the transmission of the Labrador river’s power and that stance is “unabashed hypocrisy,” given Quebec’s multi-billion profits from Upper Churchill and its growing take of the federal equalization program.
Quoting an Aug. 18 Montreal Gazette editorial that called attempts to scuttle the Lower Churchill project “unseemly, unwise and even shameful,” Williams said Canadians are realizing that province’s obstructionist approach.
“The rest of the country, and even Quebec itself, is finally admitting that it has been getting away with highway robbery in Canada for decades,” the Newfoundland and Labrador premier said.
Quebec’s actions, he continued, are “abhorrent” and “intolerable” in a country where provinces are equals.
It’s further proof of Quebec’s anti-Canada attitude, Williams said, adding he thought it was only the Bloc Quebecois that believed in elevating Quebec’s status and undermining the working of the federation.
“If it’s not good for Quebec, it’s good for no one.”
Williams said Quebec boasts that it’s a leader in free trade and green energy. If it is, and wants to co-operate in the federation, he said “then it needs to get out of the way of the progress of its neighbours.”
Quebec’s actions are damaging its reputation as well as the rest of the country’s, the premier said.
Williams touted the Lower Churchill as the best green energy project in North America.
He said it would help Canada meet its green targets and be a major boost to Newfoundland and Labrador, with almost 30 million person years of employment during construction.
“There simply is no down side in this incredible development.”
See Thursday’s print edition for more coverage.
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