The value of written promises

While Danny Williams publicly ponders the value of a written political promise, in the context of certain promises, pertaining to certain issues of fiscal federalism, made by the current Prime Minister, the Premier would do well to consider as well the value of written political promises made by members of his own provincial administration.

Written promises made by Danny Williams, for example:

At our meeting on Friday, September 12, 2003, I outlined a number of commitments a Progressive Conservative government would undertake with respect to the constitutional rights of the Metis people in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the involvement of the Labrador Metis in the benefits that would accrue from development of the Lower Churchill and other resources in the region. The commitments include the following:

•A Progressive Conservative government will acknowledge that the decision in the Powley case applies to Metis in Newfoundland and Labrador, and will participate with specific rights affirmed in the Powley decision and other rights protected under s. 35 of the Constitution.

•We will work in partnership with the Metis people of Labrador to promote and strengthen Metis communities and culture, and to ensure the Metis and all residents of Labrador share in the benefits that accrue from the development of Labrador resources.

•We will involve the Labrador Metis Nation, as we will representatives of all residents of Labrador, in the process of negotiating a Lower Churchill Development Agreement.

[…]

Sincerely,
DANNY WILLIAMS, Q.C.

Danny Williams should hold Danny Williams to account.

A promise, after all, is a promise.