BEYOND REDEMPTION: NALCOR MEDDLES WITH INDEPENDENT PANEL

Surely there must be some aspect of the Muskrat Falls affair in which there is evidence that the public interest mattered? Actually, no. So far, the facts only show a myopic determination to get the project sanctioned. At the Inquiry, even the fundamental integrity of Nalcor senior management is now under scrutiny.

On the witness stand, Derek Owen confirmed email evidence that Paul Harrington, MF Project Director, attempted to influence the conclusions of a process known as a Cold Eyes Review. The Independent Review Panel (IRP) struck for the purpose was chaired by Owen. It was an electrifying moment to be sure, possibly in part because we may be witnessing how unfettered executive privilege becomes empowered in an atmosphere of political bombast. The Commission has not even been able to find government-prepared analysis of the project. Former Premier Williams was asked by the Commissioner to help locate the work. 

The Harrington story is serious business.