ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Telegram
@StJohnsTelegram
Recommendations stemming from the Muskrat Falls Inquiry are being put into action, the provincial government stated in a news release.
Justice Richard LeBlanc made 17 recommendations to the government in his 1,200-page report. On Wednesday, government gave an update on the progress of the recommendations to date.
The first recommendation from the LeBlanc report calls on the government to “never undertake, on its own or through one of its Crown corporations or agencies, the planning, approval or construction of any large project (meaning a project with a budget of $50 million or more) without: a. Engaging independent external experts to provide robust review, assessment and analysis of the project; b. Providing well-defined oversight after consideration of oversight processes instituted in other jurisdictions.”
The government news release states the cabinet committee on infrastructure will adopt the recommendation and develop specific policy within the next year.
In preparation for 2041 — the year the Churchill Falls contract expires — LeBlanc had recommended a committee be established “to ensure maximum long-term benefits from the Churchill Falls generating station and other potential generation sites on the Churchill River.”
The Department of Justice and the Department of Natural Resources will “review and make recommendations” on the recommendation from LeBlanc.
On Tuesday, the government announced Justice David Orsborn has been appointed to lead a review of Access to Information legislation. That review is working toward two of the recommendations from LeBlanc about increased disclosure of information by the government.
LeBlanc had also recommended the government start a review of the public service, to “determine the views of current and recently employed members of the public service about the actual or perceived constraints, if any, felt by public servants in regard to communicating differing viewpoints, opinions and rationales to their superiors, including politicians.”
A consultant has been engaged by the government, with the executive council drafting a terms of reference.
All 17 recommendations are due to be implemented by the government within the next two years.
