From the Memory Hole

Res ipsa loquitur.

ST. JOHN'S, Nfld., December 11, 2000 (CP)—The Newfoundland government is scrambling to deflect a sudden wave of criticism that has saddled it with a reputation for keeping too many secrets.

The governing Liberals' latest attempt to promote a sense of transparency came Monday with the release of two secret hydroelectric deals negotiated with Quebec in the past two years.

The Conservative Opposition has spent the past year hammering the government for keeping the documents sealed while boasting about how much they benefit the province.

[...]

Not to be out done, the Conservative's lone leadership candidate, Danny Williams, took aim at his Liberal rivals when he quoted Abraham Lincoln at his leadership rally last week.

"Let the people know the truth, and the country is safe,'' Williams said.

"We will keep the people of this province fully informed at all times. There will be no secret documents. There will be no hidden agenda."