Constitutional nuances

“I'm a big believer in deadlines. The minister has already indicated that we can get it done by the end of the summer. I've already indicated that to the prime minister. So, that's the deadline we should stay with, as far as I'm concerned.”

That was Danny Williams, on July 21, 2004, talking about the negotiations that led to the so-called “Atlantic Accord 2005”.

“Earlier this month, I, along with departmental officials, met with Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, after which Minister Cannon presented an offer for federal funding to surface the Trans-Labrador Highway... We remain optimistic that an agreement will be finalized next month.”

That was John Hickey, on November 28, 2006, talking about his timeline for the still-nonexistent Trans-Labrador Highway deal.

“We're not going to have artificial timelines imposed on us by this corporation whom we've had difficulty dealing with over these past number of months.”

That was Tom Rideout, today, talking about talks with FPI.

I.P. Freelynl can add one more to the list of Danny Williams’ constitutional innovations: The provincial government has the sole constitutional authority over setting timelines and deadlines.

DannyWilliamsAdministrationNewfoundlandLabrador can set deadlines on others, but no one is lawfully allowed to set deadlines on them.