(September 2, 2022, St. John’s) – David Brazil, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island, says Newfoundland and Labrador might never have achieved the Atlantic Accord and untold billions in benefits from offshore oil and gas development had it not been for the dogged determination, legal acumen and political brilliance of Cabot Martin, a key mover and shaker in the administration of Brian Peckford.

“Cabot made full use of his Queen’s Law Degree and University of Miami Ocean Law expertise in the colossal fight for Newfoundland and Labrador to exercise control of the ocean resources we brought into Confederation,” said Brazil.

“Despite setback after setback from the courts and an intransigent federal government, neither Cabot nor the Peckford government gave up, and that’s the reason Newfoundland and Labrador today has joint management of the offshore and principal beneficiary rights from its development. So significant is this achievement that it is impossible to overstate how important Cabot Martin’s contribution has been to Newfoundland and Labrador.”

“Cabot was equally frank and impressively well researched when he disagreed with a policy initiative of his own government, but governments need that kind of pushback to keep them on their toes, and he always did so out of a profound love and concern for his province of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

“On behalf of the Official Opposition and the Progressive Conservative Caucus and Party of Newfoundland and Labrador, let me make crystal clear how greatly we honour Cabot Martin for dedicating his life to this province, never compromising on what he believed in, and never giving up on a battle worth fighting. Our province will be stronger the more people like Cabot Martin we have stepping up for Newfoundland and Labrador.”

“To Cabot’s family and countless friends, we extend our deepest condolences.”

Martin passed away on September 2 at the age of 78.

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca