Commissioner makes determinations on standing
Justice Richard Leblanc has made almost all of the final determinations on who will be directly involved in the day-to-day activities of the Muskrat Falls inquiry.
On April 6, individuals, corporations and collectives interested in being awarded standing before the inquiry made their case before the commissioner. Leblanc reserved his decision in many cases, until written decisions were released to address each application Tuesday evening.
Having standing at the inquiry does not affect whether or not someone is called as a witness, or sought for expert input. But anyone granted full standing would have the ability to, for example, cross-examine witnesses appearing at the public hearings.
Philip Helwig, an engineer with extensive experience with hydro technology, was denied standing. The commissioner did invite any information Helwig might like to offer along the way to further the inquiry.
The Innu Nation was granted limited standing. Leblanc recognized their ability to address project consultations and the hydro project’s physical construction. The commissioner recommended the Innu Nation receive funding for a lawyer and one government representative, covering travel as required. Leblanc did not recommend any additional money for new work with outside consultants.
The Nunatsiavut Government was granted limited standing. As with the Innu Nation, the commissioner recommended the government receive supportive funding for a lawyer and one representative, covering any inquiry travel required. Leblanc did not recommend any money for consultants.
The Conseil des Innu d’ekuanitshi (with a reserve in Quebec, but band members on both sides of the Quebeclabrador border) were granted limited standing. Leblanc recommended support in covering the costs of one lawyer and one council representative.
The Grand Riverkeeper Labrador and Labrador Land Protectors jointly applied for full standing. Leblanc found the submissions — and then responses to questions from members Roberta Benefiel and Marjorie Flowers — revealed their main concerns to be in areas reaching beyond the scope of the inquiry.