His assurance

From the October 6, 2003 edition of The Labradorian:

Williams visits with Labrador supporters

An enthusiastic crowd awaited PC leader Danny Williams as he paid a visit to party supporters in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Mr. Williams met with a crowd of about 60 people at the headquarters of Lake Melville PC candidate John Hickey Sept. 30, one day after the election call by Premier Roger Grimes.

“We have the next premier of Newfoundland and Labrador here with us tonight,” said Mr. Hickey, as he introduced his party leader.

“There is a big wave coming, a big blue wave. This is the time for new leadership, a change of direction. The battle has just begun. We’ll do it fair and square; we’ll take the high ground not the low ground.”

Mr. Williams said it was important for him to visit Labrador.

“Newfoundland and Labrador talks about getting a raw deal from Ottawa; I believe our province has been treating Labrador like second-class citizens,” said Mr. Williams. “With outstanding candidates like John Hickey and Winston White (for Torngat Mountains) it will change.”

Mr. Williams rallied the crowd as he vowed there would be no more “giveaways’ of Labrador resources.

“The Voisey’s Bay deal was over-sold, over-hyped - the Premier Grimes sold out,” said Mr. Williams.

“We will not develop the Lower Churchill unless the primary beneficiaries are Labradorians. You have my assurance on that.”