Muskrat Falls inquiry readies for first hearing
The very first hearing for the Commission of Inquiry Respecting the Muskrat Falls Project was expected to be in Happy Valley-goose Bay on April 3, but technical difficulties have led to a cancellation. The first hearing will now be on April 6 in St. John’s.
The hearing will be part of the process wherein Justice Richard Leblanc reviews applications for standing and determines the individuals and groups who you can expect to see represented, as a sustained presence throughout the inquiry.
He will also consider applications for support funding.
The time for filing applications for standing has ended. Speaking with The Telegram, commission co-counsel Kate O’brien said more than a dozen applications and, as an estimate, as many as 20 applications for standing have been filed.
Applicants were asked to indicate where they would prefer to be heard by the Commissioner, offering the option of Happy Valley-goose Bay.
Two of the applicants had indicated that as their preference, O’brien said.
A date had been arranged for a hearing in Happy Valley-goose Bay, but an equipment breakdown under the thirdparty who was allowing for the broadcasting of the proceedings, has led to
the decision to cancel the session.
O’brien said there was outreach as soon as the decision was made. Alternatives to the two affected applicants are being offered, including being heard by phone.
O’brien said the issue arising is a disappointment, but the decision was made not to re-schedule, as it wasn’t clear when the technical issue might be fixed. It raised the risk of an early delay in the inquiry process.
The session in St. John’s on April 6 will be held at the inquiry’s home base in the Beothuck Building, at 20 Crosbie Place, on the third floor.