Two questions

First question: Why did the entire governing Progressive Conservative caucus — at least the ones who were present for this vote — vote against their own leader's 2003 election campaign promises and recent HappyTalk™ in Happy Valley?

Second question: Why weren't Premier Williams and energy minister Ed Byrne (the latter actually spoke to the motion during debate) present for the recorded division, especially considering that the Hon. Member for Lake Melville was?

WHEREAS Labradorians must be the primary beneficiaries of any development of the hydro resource on the Lower Churchill River;

AND WHEREAS the Premier promised during the 2003 election campaign, "We will not develop the Lower Churchill unless the primary beneficiaries are Labradorians. You have my assurance on that";

AND WHEREAS the government party promised during the 2003 election campaign that, "a Progressive Conservative government will make use of the hydroelectric potential of the Lower Churchill to promote industrial development and meet domestic energy demand in Labrador";

AND WHEREAS Labrador communities must have electrical power which is affordable and reliable to sustain and grow the local economy;

AND WHEREAS Labradorians expect a heritage fund will be established to ensure future investment in Labrador and its people;

AND WHEREAS there must be respect and inclusion for all of Labrador's aboriginal peoples - the Innu Nation, the Metis Nation and the Inuit must be consulted and engaged in meaningful discussions on the development;

AND WHEREAS local business procurement and local employment opportunities must be a fundamental part of any plan to develop the project - a Labrador First Policy must be adopted;

AND WHEREAS environmental concerns must be considered and addressed through environmental assessments. Labradorians must be provided with intervenor status;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this House of Assembly calls upon the Government to ensure that Labrador receive the maximum benefit of the development of the Lower Churchill Power Project;

AND THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a deal on the Lower Churchill not be concluded unless the electrical needs of Labrador are met and a Labrador Development Fund is established to ensure that Labradorians are the primary beneficiaries of the export of their hydro electric resources.