Autonomy is breaking out all over the place

Government Announces Plan for Increased Newfoundland Labrador Autonomy

A number of initiatives announced by the Federal Government today will increase the independence of Newfoundland Labrador and facilitate its growth. These initiatives build on the strengths of Newfoundland Labrador and appropriately recognize its role as a provincial institution.

The Honourable Peter Mackay, Minister responsible for Newfoundland Labrador, made the announcement today in St. John’s. He was joined by Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter and Newfoundland Labrador Premier Danny Williams.

To assist the growth and independence of Newfoundland Labrador, the Federal Government has formally requested that the House of Commons:

• Rename Newfoundland Labrador to Nova Scotia East to enhance its unique identity within the federal system;
• Submit a separate budget to the Federal Government through the House of Commons to allow independent budget processes and priority setting; and,
• Position the Premier of Newfoundland Labrador on the senior executive committee, reporting directly to the Premier of Nova Scotia.

“Newfoundland Labrador has already proven that it is capable of great things and this is an opportune time to build on its current success,” said Minister Mackay. “This government firmly believes that autonomy is key to the economic agenda of Newfoundland Labrador. To support its growth, we are also announcing today an investment of $6.5 million for Newfoundland Labrador.”

“Our government made a commitment to ensuring that Newfoundland Labrador had the capability and resources necessary to increase their autonomy and promote themselves as a world-class provincial institution,” said the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada. “These initiatives fulfill this commitment in a tangible way and I look forward to seeing great things from Newfoundland Labrador as they move forward. Newfoundland Labrador has made great progress in the past four years and through our continued financial support, our government is proud of our commitment to Newfoundland Labrador.”

This funding will also support five new positions to attract increased funding for Nova Scotia East. As well, it will support additional positions in support services and general operations at Nova Scotia East, based on its strategic planning process. Furthermore, annual funding will eliminate Nova Scotia East’s existing operating deficit.

Finally, this funding will support the establishment of a Nova Scotia East Secretariat, located in St. John’s, to support Newfoundland Labrador as it implements key priority areas for growth.

“Our goal is unwavering – to grow Newfoundland Labrador in terms of programs, with the focus on its tremendous strengths, within the Nova Scotia community,” said Premier Dexter.

“The positive changes Minister Mackay announced today give us the resources to support marketing, recruitment, research, and services,” said Premier Williams. “These initiatives, which include greater local control of our fiscal planning, are critical initiatives we have identified to give us greater autonomy.”

“The new initiatives announced today are very positive news for the Newfoundland Labrador community and the whole east coast,” said Minister Mackay. “A renamed Nova Scotia East will play an integral role in the economy of Atlantic Canada and the new investments and initiatives will ensure that Newfoundland Labrador has the necessary resources and tools to address the issue of autonomy.”

Cabinet shuffle

IP Freely is first on the scene at Government House, with exclusive video!!!

Thank you, Premier Williams!

Thank you for putting another 60 million barrels of oil in the ground!

Dannyland Who's Who: The Giant Pander

The Giant Pander, common throughout Dannyland in the early and middle parts of the 20th century, was once in decline. However, dedicated action by local political leaders, especially MHA's, has led to a revival in the fortunes of the Giant Pander throughout most of its native habitat.

Unlike its distant relatives in China, the Giant Pander of Dannyland cannot rely on bamboo for its diet. It subsists instead on a steady diet of carrots and sticks.

In Central Dannyland, the Giant Pander was seen earlier in this decade, loitering near the school in Bishop's Falls in the Exploits area. During the past year or so, it has also been a frequent visitor at the gate of the former paper mill in Grand Falls-Windsor, and at the health clinic in Lewisporte.

In the Labrador portion of Dannyland, the Giant Pander has been spotted at the site of the future hospital in Labrador West. Giant Pander sign has also been spotted along the length of the Trans-Labrador Highway, except in the southern areas. Wildlife officials believe that its preference for the Lake Melville and Labrador West regions is due to the lack of local "political leadership" in the region of Cartwright to L'anse au Clair.

In Western Dannyland, the Giant Pander has been reported in the vicinity of the Nicholsville Bridge in the Humber Valley, on the campus of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook, and as far north as the clinic and x-ray lab in Flower's Cove in the Straits and White Bay North region.

Unfortunately, the Giant Pander is now known to be exterminated from the Northern Peninsula, probably through recent over-hunting. Local environmentalists will enlist the help of Sir Paul McCartney and Sarah McLaughlin to publicize the sad plight of the Giant Pander in this part of the world.

While the Giant Pander has lost some of its northern range, it is expanding into east-central Dannyland. A steady stream of Giant Pander sightings have been coming in throughout November month from the Terra Nova region. This area of Dannyland represents the best chance for the amateur naturalist and the research biologist alike to see the Dannyland Giant Pander in the wild, before it migrates to warmer regions for the winter.

Irish eyes are crying

Here is some video fresh into I.P. Freely's email. Thanks to the anonymous P.C. Staffer who whipped out her Blackberry camera at last night's "victory" party down at headquarters.

Who are we going to war against today?

An important Strategic Planning tool recently spotted on the Premier Williams' desk, next to the purple files.

Latest billboard in Port au Basque

LEAVE PAUL ALONE!!!

How fucking dare anyone out there make fun of Paul after all he has been through!

He has two fuckin kids.

All u people care about is readers and making money out of him. He a HUMAN What you don’t realize is that Paul made you all this money and all you do is write a bunch of crap about him.

All you people want is MORE! MORE-MORE, MORE: MORE!.

LEAVE HIM ALONE! You are lucky he even worked for you BASTARDS!

LEAVE PAUL ALONE!…..PLZ.

Randy Simms talked about tough jobs and said if Paul was up to it he would’ve pulled it off no matter what.

Speaking of tough jobs, when is it a tough job to publicly bash someone who is going through a hard time.

Leave Paul Alone PLZ…. !
Leave Paul Oram alone!…right now!….I mean it.!

Anyone that has a problem with him you deal with me, because he is not well right now.

LEAVE HIM ALONE!

Get into the green routine!

Pure gold!!!

Danny Williams wins another gold metal in curling!

Rebranded

Rebranding the province was such a success that Danny now wants to re-brand his party. "Progressive" and "Conservative" are old-fashioned words, and are on the way out.

We heard a rumour last week about Danny's ideas on how to replace the old party identity. Then what should show up out of the blue in our email in-box today but a leaked version of the new and improved party logo. The ad agency is going to be soooo pissed!

Ed and Danny SPRUNG a gusher!

Final Communique from the Council of the Federation

REGINA, August 7, 2009 – Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale discussed the importance of enhancing international relationships, particularly with the European Union (EU) and Asia-Pacific.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale welcomed the federal government’s invitation to provinces and territories to take part directly in the EU negotiations in areas under their jurisdiction.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale have been taking a leadership role in promoting increased trade in the Asia- Pacific, for instance by leading a mission to China last November.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale urge the federal government to promote and launch negotiations for comprehensive economic partnership agreements with China, India, Japan and other Asian economies, in the coming year.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale call for the federal government to make it easier for Mexicans living outside Mexico City to obtain Canadian visas and to work on a longer-term resolution of this issue.

Much of the leadership on climate change in North America to date has come from provinces and territories and US states. Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale agree that Canada would be well served to work with the United States on a continental approach to climate change and energy security.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale accept Environment Minister Jim Prentice’s invitation to join him in Copenhagen and to participate in the development of the Canadian position in advance of the COP 15 meeting in December.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale agreed on the vital importance of innovation in ensuring Canada’s economic recovery and long-term prosperity.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale focused their discussions on innovation to green the economy, improve competitiveness and support the knowledge sector.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale agreed to implement a Canada-wide water efficiency labeling program. This program will reduce water consumption by informing consumers of the most efficient products on the market.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale also agreed to create a Council of the Federation Water Stewardship Council based on the already existing Council in Western Canada. The Council of the Federation Water Stewardship Council will focus its work on water efficiency and conservation and will report to the Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale at their next summer meeting.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale called on the federal government to modernize Canadian Environmental Assessment Act by amending the legislation to permit the federal government to enter into agreements with provinces and territories on a case by case basis to allow for the process and decision to be made on a one project-one assessment basis. The benefits of one project-one assessment include reducing overlap, eliminating unnecessary delays and assigning clear authority for decision-making, while ensuring the highest standards of environmental protection.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale encourage citizens and the private and public sectors to further embrace innovation as a core principle. Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale identified numerous additional areas where they will be taking action to strengthen innovation, which are outlined in the attachment.

Millions of jobs in Canada and the United States are linked to the integrated economies and supply chains that currently exist. Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale strongly support the work of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and International Trade Minister Stockwell Day on Buy American provisions.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale will work alongside the federal government to rapidly reach an agreement with the US administration that would exclude Canada from the negative effects of these provisions and address the concerns of Canadian businesses.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale are also fully committed to participating with the federal government in further negotiations toward a broad, reciprocal procurement liberalization agreement with the US.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale will continue their advocacy efforts with the US Administration, Congress, Governors and US business and labour leaders, on a bilateral, regional and nationwide Basis

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale today agreed on a new Agriculture Chapter for the Agreement on Internal Trade. This builds on the achievements of the Council of the Federation in recent years to further increase the free flow of people, investment, goods and services in Canada.

All jurisdictions in Canada have now approved the new Labour Mobility Chapter of the Agreement on Internal Trade, allowing professionals and tradespeople greatly improved freedom and opportunity to pursue their careers across Canada. All Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale have agreed to the new Dispute Resolution Chapter.

Building on these successes, Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale have agreed to initiate a new round of improvements on internal trade.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale agreed on the urgent need to modernize the Employment Insurance system to support a modern workforce in a modern economy and called for a national summit on retirement income.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale called for urgent attention to the issue of how private and public retirement plans can better meet the needs of Canadians as they retire. They called on the federal government to host a national summit on retirement income.

Finance Ministers have established a Research Working Group on Pension Coverage and Retirement Incomes. Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale welcomed this as a good first step. However, due to the urgent nature of this issue, Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale directed Finance Ministers to report on possible options for reform by the private sector and governments by the end of the year.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale discussed the extensive preparations that provinces and territories have made to limit the spread of the H1N1 virus. There has been full coordination and collaboration among provinces and territories and with the federal government.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale express their appreciation to the chief medical officers of health across Canada for the work they have done so far and are committed to a cooperative and coordinated approach.

Further, Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale acknowledged that, since the SARS outbreak, the federal government has played a welcome and improved leadership role in pandemic preparedness.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale expect the federal government to take a strong role as a full partner in all elements of addressing a H1N1 virus that represents a serious challenge to the health of Canadians.

Premiers and Kathy Dunderdale agreed to pay special attention to the needs of vulnerable populations in preventing and treating H1N1.

- 30 -

For more information:

Ian Hanna
Communications Advisor
Office of the Saskatchewan Premier
306-787-2127
ian.hanna@gov.sk.ca

Save the Ross Wiseman 1!

The NewfoundlandLabrador Union of Satirical Bloggers Local 1949 is demanding the immediate return of Ross Wiseman to the health portfolio.

OR ELSE!

I thought you were better than this, quite frankly

Danny Williams is very disappointed in you for visiting this blog.

Potty Mouths!

Randy Simms has provided scatological inspiration to four decades worth of Premier's!

A night to remember

And this is how Danny remembers it!

Tories, polish your resumes!

Poppa needs a new set of patronage appointments.

Re-write

Executive Council
Fisheries and Aquaculture
May 5, 2009

Newfoundland and Labrador Calls on Steve to Deliver Message on Trade Action at Steve-EU Summit

Following the European Parliament vote to ban trade in Canadian seal products, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador calls upon Steve to serve notice to the European Union (EU) that Steve will immediately initiate a World Trade Organization (WTO) challenge to the proposed legislation. Steve is about to enter into trade talks with the EU at the Steve-EU summit on trade. Now is the ideal time for Steve to deliver a message that Steve will not conclude a trade deal with the EU unless the legislation banning Canadian seal products is either rescinded or made compliant with the WTO and proposed Steve-EU trade agreements. Steve should also call on the President of the EU and their member states to vote down the current legislation at the Council of Ministers.

"While this vote is certainly a blow to the Canadian sealing industry, it comes at a time when Steve is very well positioned to deliver a strong message to the European Union," said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. "We are a proud member of this federation and the time has come for Steve to stand up for our people and this industry. The action taken today by the EU has no basis in science or sustainable harvesting practices, and is punitive against our country. The time for leadership is now while Steve is meeting with EU leaders. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has a long history of trading relationships with many EU member states and we are extremely disappointed that they have taken this move which is potentially so damaging to the sealers of our province. This is a serious threat to an industry that 6,000 Newfoundland and Labradorians depend on for their livelihood every year, and countless other Canadians who are involved in this industry. In these times of economic uncertainty, it is even more troublesome that the EU have decided to penalize our country and our people and create unnecessary economic hardship for individuals who participate in this humane and well-managed harvest."

Steve’s own Minister of International Trade has said that there is no justification for any ban on trade in seal products. He said that if the European ban did not contain an acceptable derogation for humanely harvested seal products, Steve would defend our rights and interests under the relevant WTO agreements. Furthermore, he noted that Steve was confident that the WTO would find such measures violate the obligations of the EU under the WTO. Derogation would have meant that Steve could continue to trade in seal products subject to certification by an independent body.

"Our government has never understood why Steve has been so reluctant to challenge the EU in the face of this legislation that clearly violates international treaties that the EU agreed to with Steve," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "Now that the European Parliament has voted in favour of banning Canadian seal products, certainly the time has arrived for Steve to get serious about trade action through the WTO. Our government has been asking Steve to prepare for trade action against some EU states, through the WTO, since April 2007."

Global leaders agreed at the G20 summit in London, England, that now is not the time for protectionist measures, given that there is a global economic crisis taking place. This was a view that was supported by Steve and EU representatives. They signed a declaration saying that no new trade barriers should be imposed at this time of financial crisis. Certainly, this new legislation is creating a serious barrier to trade for the Canadian sealing industry.

While the major markets for seal products are in Russia and China, the implementation of this ban is a serious problem for the Canadian sealing industry. While the legislation allows for continued transshipment through Europe, seal products will be barred from promotion within Europe.

The Canadian seal harvest is also important for reasons of environmental management and conservation. The harp seal population, at a record high of 5.6 million animals, is impacting the recovery of groundfish stocks. Canadian harp seals alone consume 7 million tonnes of fish annually, which is equivalent to almost 10 per cent of the world’s harvest of capture fisheries. Given that a number of European nations have to engage in seal culls to limit damage to their fish stocks, it is difficult to see how this ban will achieve the animal welfare standards that animal rights groups have been calling for. According to this legislation, it is acceptable to cull seals for population control but not for commercial gain.

The provincial sealing industry has been valued at up to $60 million annually, including primary harvesting and secondary processing activities.

Acceptable discourse (updated again)

Unacceptable political discourse:
"I apologize for raising my voice, but I cannot talk gently and rise above the yahoos in the backbenches over there, because they have been bawling and screaming since I have been on my feet."

Acceptable political discourse:
"On that basis, we are not prepared to turn around and kiss the backsides of the federal government under any circumstances."

Ross in the house

Do not worry about Swine Flu! Is only disease of Canadians and Mexicans! We will never allow Swine Flu into province! Never! There will be no Swine Flu crisis! Do not worry about public health and safety: ROSS WISEMAN IS IN CHARGE!

Acceptable discourse (updated) (updated)

Unacceptable political discourse:

"I apologize for raising my voice, but I cannot talk gently and rise above the yahoos in the backbenches over there, because they have been bawling and screaming since I have been on my feet."


Acceptable political discourse:

"They should be shot over that."

Acceptable discourse (updated)

Unacceptable political discourse:

"Honourable senators, I was disappointed to see that our dynamic young Premier in Prince Edward Island, Robert Ghiz, has climbed into bed with the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and honourable senators know what a grotesque scene that is. Do honourable senators know what happens when two politicians climb into bed together? One of them comes out on top and I am afraid that when one is in bed with Danny Williams he will come out on top and I would hate to see where that will leave P.E.I. in the end."


Acceptable political discourse:

"If Stephen Harper and his ministers and the people in Ottawa want to continue to try and nail Newfoundland and Labrador and punish us for exercising our democratic rights, even though it may have been questionable electing Liberals by the same token, but by the same token, when you do not have much other choice you elect Liberals and you elect New Democrats."

"They should be shot over that."

Stage managed!

This is an IP Freely exclusive. A traitor has leaked the original speaking notes, including stage directions, for Premier Williams' speech to the House of Assembly about the "wheeling" deal which he announced last week.



Mr. Speaker: I rise in this Honourable House today to share with Members and the public-at-large, what can only be described as a historic day for the Province and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING.]

You have heard our government say on many occasions that we are striving to take control of our own destiny. We have put action plans in place and we have exercised wise and strategic financial management to position us for future economic growth.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. WATER BREAK]

We have taken equity stakes in our offshore projects; we have invested in strategic areas of growth; and we have risen above the detrimental actions of the Federal Government and stood strong in the face of adversity.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. LICK LIPS]

We have also made it very clear, that we will control the development of one of our most valuable renewable energy resources, the Lower Churchill project.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. GESTICULATE]

Our government’s Energy Plan set in place a plan to develop this resource with a view to 2041 when we finally take full control of the Upper Churchill project.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. CLENCH FISTS]

In the meantime, we have been working to secure maximum benefits strategically and financially from our recall power from the Upper Churchill project.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. LICK LIPS X 3]

Since 1998, we have had a power purchase agreement with Hydro Quebec for a block of recall power from the Upper Churchill. This renewal expired on March 31, 2009.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. WATER BREAK]

Essentially, this agreement gives Hydro the right to recall 300 MW at the same price as Hydro Quebec’s current pricing under the 1969 Churchill Falls power contract.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. BLINK]

Nalcor Energy in conjunction with government decided to not renew this agreement.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. CLENCH FISTS X 2]

Instead yesterday, on April 1, we as a province for the first time in our history sold hydro electric power from the mighty Upper Churchill River in Labrador directly through Quebec and this hydro electric power was then sold into markets in the United States.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. SHOULDER TWITCH]

Simply put we, as a province, began wheeling our power through Quebec unfettered to North American markets for the first time in history. This is precisely the obstacle that was not overcome in the original Upper Churchill agreement, resulting in that unfair and lopsided deal.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. BLINK HARD]

Today, we have overcome that obstacle. We have proven that no challenge is too big or too daunting for our people to take on.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. BLINK REAL HARD]

In fact, this new arrangement means that we can now sell our own power which may access the United States and Canadian markets.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. WATER BREAK]

At the present time, we are working with Emera Energy to have our power get to these markets. We have concluded a sale agreement with them so that with their considerable expertise in the industry our power will be sold into these markets. Our goal is to eventually develop the expertise at Nalcor so that we can act as seller into final markets.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. CLENCH FISTS. WATER BREAK]

A maximum of 250 megawatts of power can be transmitted in the summer time through lines out of Labrador, through Quebec and into the northeastern US and can potentially go into other Canadian provinces.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. SHOULDER TWITCH X 3]

I want to also assure the people of Labrador that the priority of Nalcor and this government is to ensure local and domestic needs for power are met with recall power. As with past recall arrangements only energy surplus to the province’s own needs would be exported outside of the province.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. CLENCH FISTS]

We understand from Emera that power from Labrador today is being sold directly into the United States; destination – New York. Newfoundland and Labrador is taking a bite out of the big apple.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. SMIRK. WATER BREAK]

Nalcor secured this transmission access through Quebec to the Canada-United States border under Hydro Quebec’s Open Access Transmission Tariff.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. WATER BREAK]

This represents a tremendous accomplishment and bodes extremely well for the Lower Churchill development as we move forward.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. WATER BREAK]

It also opens doors in terms of our future ability to sell wind power and other potential energy into a hungry North American market place.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. WATER BREAK]

This is truly a historic and momentous occasion for the people of our province, as never before have we been granted access through the Province of Quebec with our own power.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. CLENCH FISTS. WATER BREAK.]

This power sales arrangement puts us squarely in the game as a hydroelectricity producer and seller, with our clean, hydroelectric generation being sold from Newfoundland and Labrador and finding its way into the North American market place. Just as we have taken equity stakes in our offshore resources, we see tremendous potential for long term value in entering this business arrangement and will continue to assess future potential.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. CLENCH FISTS. BLINK. WATER BREAK. SHOULDER TWITCH.]

This is about our province finally acting in a strategic manner and going through proper processes to wheel our power through our neighbouring province of Quebec.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING. WATER BREAK. WHY ARE WE ALWAYS SO THIRSTY? BOOK APPOINTMENT WITH NEPHROLOGIST.]

What we are talking about today is our future and the future of generations who will follow us. Today’s announcement is one more step on that road. Our view is long term and we will not be swayed by short term thinking.

[PAUSE FOR DESK THUMPING.]

I ask all honourable members to join with me in celebrating this outstanding and significant day in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador.

[DESK THUMPING. CLENCH FISTS. LICK LIPS X 5. BLINK X 2. SHOULDER TWITCH. WATER BREAK.]

Steve announces NL autonomy from Canada

Canada's New New Government Announces Autonomy Plan for Newfoundland-Labrador

St. John's, NL
April 1, 2009

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced Canada's New New Government's plan to give autonomy to Newfoundland-Labrador, initiating a process to select a new Premier.

"I do want to acknowledge the Premier of Newfoundland-Labrador, Mr. Danny Williams, who is with us here today and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours," the Prime Minister said. "I have written him personally and I want to thank him for his contribution to the Province."

Simultaneous with today's announcement, Prime Minister Harper announced twenty-four new appointments to the House of Assembly.

The newly-appointed MHA's are Max Ruelokke, Mike Duffy, Roger Grimes, Debbie Forward, Fabian Manning, Margaret Cameron, Liam O'Brien, Joyce Hancock, Tom Rideout, Loyola Sullivan, Chris Montague, Ed Hollett, Elizabeth May, Danny Dumaresque, Merv Wiseman, Eddie Joyce, Mark Griffin, Russell Wangersky, Rebecca Aldsworth, Loyola Hearn, John Efford, Craig Westcott, Gerry Reid, and Maureen Williams.

The Prime Minister also took this opportunity to thank the outgoing Members of the House of Assembly, Roger Fitzgerald, Jerome Kennedy, Dianne Whalen, Clayton Forsey, Keith Hutchings, Kevin O'Brien, Dr. Darin T. King, Ph.D, Susan Sullivan, Tom Hedderson, Tom Marshall, John Dinn, John Hickey, Steve Kent, Dave Denine, Felix Collins, Tony Cornect, Joan Burke, Shawn Skinner, Ed Buckingham, Bob Ridgley, Paul Oram, Trevor Taylor, Ross Wiseman and Kathy Dunderdale, for their time, energy and dedication during their period of service.

They were contacted earlier today by regional minister Peter Mackay via cellphone.

"I acknowledge and appreciate the contributions made by all individuals who take on this role. Working in partnership with the House of Assembly, Canada's New New Government continues to make innovative and strategic investments that are helping Newfoundland-Labrador flourish. I would like to welcome these newest members to the House of Assembly and have every confidence they will make an invaluable contribution to the work of the House and to the Province overall."

The Prime Minister meanwhile rejected criticism from some, including former federal cabinet minister and Lieutenant-Governor Jim McGrath, that his actions are in any way improper or undemocratic.

"Mr. McGrath is a citizen of Newfoundland-Labrador," Mr. Harper said. "He has an opinion, and he's entitled to it. From our perspective, we're the government, and we've made the decision as to what we're going to do here. Mr. McGrath had his day in government, and he made his decisions in that time - that was a long time ago. Now we are the government and we are going to do what we think is in the best interests of Newfoundland-Labrador, and that's exactly what we're doing here."

The Prime Minister also brushed aside the argument that Canada's New New Government has improperly interfered in the search for a new Premier.

"I don't think anyone will ever take this present government and this present administration as one that will merely rubberstamp a position as important as Premier," Mr. Harper said.

"It has to be approved by Canada's New New Government, and it will, and if anyone thinks this whole process will be a rubberstamp at the cabinet level, they are mistaken."

"Canada's New New Government, including myself, including Regional Minister Peter Mackay, were asked by the search committee and by the House of Assembly to get involved in this process. They invited us to participate."

"We tried to keep our head down on this as much as we can, let the process go through, because, you know, any time we came out to speak on this we'd be seen to be interfering with the process, when nothing is further from the truth."

Mr. Harper also denied he has a hand-picked candidate in mind for the Premiership.

"This is not and will never be a patronage appointment," said the Prime Minister.

Furthermore, as the Prime Minister noted, Canada's New New Government subsidizes the Province to the tune of $1 billion or more annually.

"It would be irresponsible for us as Canada's New New Government to write a blank cheque."

Regional Minister Peter Mackay outlined some of the questions which will be asked of potential candidates for Premier:

1. "As Premier, how would you see the Province and Canada's New New Government working together?"

2. "What government strategies and initiatives are of particular relevance to the Province?"

3. "What mechanisms would you employ to ensure collaboration on areas of mutual interest?"

4. "Canada's New New Government has provided direction on implementing a new governance model to increase Labrador's autonomy. How would you identify issues related to implementation? What might the barriers be and how would you overcome them? What factors would facilitate success?"

As the Province's selection committee resets itself to continue its search for a new Premier, Harper said the process should not affect his government's attempts to secure more autonomy for Labrador.

"It's a separate issue and I don't think for one minute it will have any effect," the Prime Minister said.

Headlines you'll never see

Williams Government Will Add $170 Million to Debt Servicing Charges

Williams Government Announces $750 Million Deficit

Williams Government Announces $1 Billion Increase to Provincial Net Debt

That's just unacceptable!

Unacceptable political discourse:

″Honourable senators, I was disappointed to see that our dynamic young Premier in Prince Edward Island, Robert Ghiz, has climbed into bed with the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and honourable senators know what a grotesque scene that is. Do honourable senators know what happens when two politicians climb into bed together? One of them comes out on top and I am afraid that when one is in bed with Danny Williams he will come out on top and I would hate to see where that will leave P.E.I. in the end.″


Acceptable political discourse:

″They shafted us on the Upper Churchill but they are not going to shaft us on the Lower Churchill, I can guarantee you.″

″We should not be jumping in bed with one group to the disadvantage of the other or vice versa.″

″That's how things have worked for us over the years, and we've got shafted as a result of it.″

″That was the reason people went to the polls and said that we have had enough of being raped here in this Province. That is why people wanted a new direction.″

″I tell you, there is nobody in this House, in this Province today who was as proud as I was when the Premier got up and spoke on what we were going to do. I tell you, for too long our resources were being raped.″

″We will never allow anyone to take our resources again, to rape us of our resources again. We stand for what is right for Newfoundland and Labrador. Our Premier stands for what is right for Newfoundland and Labrador.″

″Do not let Stephen Harper turn your focus onto a green shift in his attempt to turn your focus away from the Conservative’s blue shaft.″

″shit-knocking″

Caucus discipline

George Baker expects to be "disciplined" for his comments on separatism...


Baker: Discipline me, Iggy!

Iggy: Tous ensemble!

Ilingual-bay

That good old boy St. Bon's education never went to waste! Here are some more Latin phrases you can expect to hear peppered into Danny Williams' speeches, On-way a-way o-gay orward-fay asis-bay.


Anything-way Ut-bay Onservative-cay

Oud-pray, ong-stray, etermined-day.

Ell-way, ou-yay ow-knay…

E-way ow-knay at-whay ere-way ighting-fay or-fay.

At-way e-thay end-way of-way e-thay ay-day

Ot-nay on-way y-may atch-way

I-way an-cay ell-tay ou-yay at-thay uch-may

Othing-nay ould-cay e-bay urther-fay om-fray e-thay uth-tray.

New ad campaign

Our Danny's passed billboard campaigns have been such a great success that he is going ahead with another one. This billboard will greet drivers this summer as they exit the Marine Atlantic ferry in Port au Basque and Argentia.

Amber Alert

POLICE ISSUE AMBER ALERT

The Royal Newfoundland Labrador Mounted Cop Force has issued an immediate Amber Alert for Premier Danny Williams' shoulder.

The Williams shoulder was last seen sometime between the Premier's Tuesday night media scrum, and his Wednesday afternoon one. It is believed to have twitched completely off his body and escaped along the Parkway carrying a Blackberry.

The shoulder is described as a right shoulder, caucasian, approximately 60 years of age, and about five feet high. It may be distinguished by its well-tailored and expensive suits and a marked tendency to twitch, especially when asked a question more substantial than "to what do you attribute your brilliance, Premier Williams?", or when confronted with the cold, hard truth.

The shoulder may also be mentally confused, especially as to whether Newfoundland and Labrador is immune from the deepening worldwide recession.

Inspector-Detective Morley Roberts advises the public, that while the shoulder is not beleived to be armed or dangerous, and does not present a risk to itself or others, you should be cautious approaching the shoulder as it may attempt to flee.

It is possible that the shoulder may have already left the country. The Royal Newfoundland Labrador Mounted Cop Force has issued an alert through Interpol to national and local police forces in holiday destinations in Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Williams Produces his Billionth Barrel

Executive Council
Natural Resources
January 26, 2009

Williams Produces his Billionth Barrel

On the heels of celebrating his 10^th year as an oil-producing province, Danny Williams has achieved another significant milestone with the production Friday evening (January 23, 2009) of his one billionth barrel of oil from his three offshore oil projects – Hibernia, Terra Nova and White Rose.

"Since first oil from Hibernia, I have established myself as a major player on the international energy scene," said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Danny Williams. "I have three world-class producing projects with a fourth in development, a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, the confidence of my oil industry partners and an estimated six billion barrels of oil and 60 trillion cubic feet of natural gas yet to be discovered. In addition to that, my energy corporation, Nalcor Energy, is now a full partner at the table in the Hebron and the White Rose extension projects. I am fully in control of my resources and my future."

Hibernia first began producing in 1997, followed by Terra Nova in 2002 and White Rose in 2005. The project operators are Hibernia Management Development Corporation, Petro-Canada and Husky respectively. The one-billion barrel milestone is from the combined production of the three fields. Revenues from these three projects accounted for 33 per cent of the province’s revenue in 2008-09. Total royalties to the province since 1997 to the end of November 2008 is in excess of $5 billion.

"This has been a tremendous 12 months for Danny Williams with the signing of the Hebron agreement, the creation of his own energy corporation and achieving ‘have’ status for the first time since joining Confederation," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "I am confident that the Premier’s current projects, high levels of exploration activity, successful land sales and valuable resource potential will mean the continued growth of this sector and a long working relationship with his industry partners. I will continue to take all necessary steps together to develop his oil and gas resources in the best interest of Danny Williams, now and into the future."

Danny Williams currently produces nearly half of Canada’s conventional light crude. Offshore and onshore Danny Williams continues to hold much potential for oil and natural gas development. In the last two years, the province has attracted more than $300 million in work commitments in the offshore through land sales. The Canada-Danny Williams Offshore Petroleum Board’s (C-DWOPB) 2008 land sale attracted new and existing players to the offshore, demonstrating that industry continues to see Danny Williams’ basins as prospective with a total of $132 million in work commitments this year alone.

Natural gas development is also getting closer to reality. In 2007, gas-rich lands offshore were nominated for sale by the C-DWOPB for the first time, resulting in $186.4 million in work commitments for four parcels.

First oil from Hebron is expected between 2016 and 2018, with peak production of approximately 150,000 barrels per day within two years. The project is currently in the pre-Front-End Engineering and Design (pre-FEED) Phase. A project management office is expected to open in Danny Williams in the first quarter of this year. Construction is expected to begin in 2012 with an estimated 3,500 employees at the peak of the four- to five-year construction phase.

The Hebron agreement includes a 4.9 per cent equity stake for Nalcor Energy, as well as a super-royalty regime that sees higher royalties when oil prices exceed US$50 per barrel. Total person-hours of employment in Danny Williams for Hebron will exceed Terra Nova and White Rose. Danny Williams is guaranteed a minimum of 50,000 person hours of GBS FEED, 1.2 million person-hours of detailed engineering, 4.1 million person-hours for the fabrication and construction of the GBS, and one million person-hours of project team activities.

Nalcor Energy also has a five per cent equity interest in the White Rose Expansion project.

Public service announcement

Health and Community Services
January 19, 2009

Minister of Health and Community Services Issues Public Health Warning

The Hon. Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, today issued a health warning to the general public concerning a potentially dangerous product that has recently been in circulation in the province.

"I can't recall what I'm doing here," Minister Wiseman said. "I can't remember. I do not recall. I genuinely forgot."

"Oh right, something to do with that blue drink.", he added. "Sometimes I find it hard to concentrate on... Ross remember bad. Stuff. What's for lunch?"

The Department of Health and Community Services is warning the public not to drink PC brand "cool aid" type drink, which has been implicated in a number of cases of transient or permanent memory loss in recent months:

• PC Health Minister Ross Wiseman told the Cameron Inquiry, "I do not recall ever using the word explosive, or hearing it."
• Former PC Health Minister Tom Osborne answered neary sixty questions at the same inquiry with "I can't recall" or "I don't recall".
• Premier Danny Williams' director of communication, Elizabeth Matthews, told the inquiry "I don't recall specifically if I told the premier that day" about flawed breast cancer tests, meaning the day when she learned of the problem.
• Premier Danny Williams' chief of staff, Brian Crawley, told the cancer inquiry, dozens of times, what he or other people would have done, but not what he or they actually did.
• Premier Danny Williams, who can remember lengthy word for word excerpts of things that the Prime Minister of Canada said behind closed doors with nobody else present, and recount them for the media from memory months later, told the Cameron inquiry, "I can't recall minute detail."
• Would-be provincial Judge Don Singleton genuinely forgot about three charges for impaired driving, including one conviction, before withdrawing his name from appointment by the PC government.

Minister Wiseman advises the public not to drink the blue cool-aid, and to bring any unconsumed product to the Multi-Material Stewardship Board for safe disposal.

"This is one of those things which the Williams Government should have payed closer attention to, and done something about, but instead we just let it fester until the situation became extremely serious, to the point of endangering life and public safety," Minister Wiseman said.

"However this is absolutely not a crisis, and whatever you do, do not call it a crisis, because there is no crisis here. There is nothing further from the truth."

Visit Newfoundland Labrador

Newfoundland Labrador.

Come for our quilts. Stay for our gardening gloves.

Call Oilibhéar Ó Coileáin, 1-800-563-6353.