(March 22, 2022) – David Brazil, PC Official Opposition Leader, and Lloyd Parrott, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology, say today’s announcement of a quasi-coalition by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau explains the delay in approving the Bay du Nord project.

“While the Prime Minister is worried about his own future, he’s ignoring the future of Newfoundland and Labrador. Premier Furey’s best friend today clearly signalled opposition to the Bay du Nord project, as the provincial and federal NDP are bent on halting even the most responsible energy developments in our province,” said Brazil.

“It’s clear why the decision on Bay du Nord was delayed: the Prime Minister had to fight for his future and was too busy to worry about the future of our province. Premier Furey and Minister O’Regan need to be clear with the public right now: what does today’s federal announcement mean for the future of Bay du Nord and our offshore industry?”

Parrott says today’s announcement shows what happens when the provincial Liberal government refuses to stand up to Ottawa.

“Premier Furey and Minister Parsons have proven totally ineffective in showing their federal cousins the importance of this project not only to Newfoundland and Labrador but to Canada. Increasing Newfoundland and Labrador’s capacity means getting the world off oil produced by dictators. Carbon neutral oil projects are a step towards the green tomorrow,” said Parrott.

“But Newfoundanders and Labradorians need support today. That’s not what we’re seeing from Ottawa and not what we’re seeing from Premier Furey and Minister Parsons as they sit back and allow the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore oil and gas industry to be dismantled by the Federal Liberal government.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca