Bluff called

A quick flashback to May of this year, for the record:

Innu demands could derail Lower Churchill deal: premier
Last Updated: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 5:44 PM NT

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams said Tuesday the Innu Nation's demands for compensation could scuttle the Lower Churchill hydroelectric project.

Williams said if the demands — which include reparations for hunting grounds and travel routes they lost due to flooding for the original Upper Churchill project 40 years ago — are too steep, the deal could be off.

"If in fact a deal — a Lower Churchill development — is contingent upon redress, then that may be a condition that we just cannot fulfil, and therefore it will be off the table," he told reporters.

Oh, that others had the same courage and ability to call certain bluffs.

And, oh yeah:

Williams said he doesn't like ultimatums, especially when they are tied to multibillion-dollar developments, and are made on the airwaves instead of at the bargaining table.

"Peter Penashue and his group should treat us with respect, as we treat them with respect," he said.

The provincial government hasn't made any money off the original Churchill deal either, so it doesn't make sense for the government to compensate the Innu, the premier said.

Without an Innu deal there can be no Lower Churchill deal, Williams said, adding that Penashue's decision to make statements on national radio undermines the negotiations with the province.

Yes, the perils of negotiating on the airwaves instead of the bargaining table. So very disrespectful.