A call to cut Muskrat costs
Megaproject a big target for savings, advocate says
An environmental advocate says Muskrat Falls should be considered when it comes to possible cuts to the provincial budget.
Roberta Benefiel — a member of Grand River Keeper Inc., a group that aims to preserve and protect the ecological integrity of the Churchill River and which has been outspoken on the hydroelectric project — raised the issue at the pre-budget consultation in Happy Valley-Goose Bay Wednesday.
“Premier Paul Davis said recently that everything is on the table,” Benefiel said in front of a small group gathered for the public consultation.
“This project will double our debt (and) it is a big expense. Why is it not on the table?”
Benefiel said she doesn’t see how the province can justify looking at cutting money from education, health care and public-sector jobs without also looking at cutting spending on Muskrat Falls.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Keith Russell disagreed with Benefiel’s assertion that the megaproject would double the provincial debt, but acknowledged her question was fair.
“That is a question for the premier,” he said.
Benefiel said small hydroelectric projects are good, but the province has pooh-poohed them.
“We now have this $8.3-billion project. This (pre-budget consultation) isn’t about Muskrat Falls, but it is about Muskrat Falls — it’s going to sink this province.”
Another delegate, Robin Goodfellow-Baikie, said her understanding is that taxes will have to be doubled to address the current debt incurred by the province, but Russell said the public has to think about higher taxes in terms of paying for things that are already in place.
“Increasing taxes is not about solving the deficit,” said Russell. “It’s about maintaining our programs and services that we have.”
Other items discussed at the consultation session included the need for more funding for visual artists and craft producers in Labrador and the province overall; the need for more affordable and safe housing for vulnerable people, including women and children leaving domesticabuse situations; and the proposed wellness centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.