If you want standing, speak now

Justice Richard Leblanc calls for applications, sets hearing dates

Justice Richard Leblanc has decided how he will interpret the terms of reference for the Muskrat Falls Inquiry and, as of Thursday morning, the call has officially gone out for applications for standing at the inquiry.

People and organizations who want to be at the table throughout the inquiry, or want their lawyer at the table, have to apply for standing.

Leblanc will review applications and conduct hearings before making a decision on either partial or full standing for individuals and groups.

More on the applications for standing (and application for supportive funding) is available on the inquiry website. As well, the office of the Commission of Inquiry Respecting the Muskrat Falls Project can be reached by phone for questions at 709-7296076, toll-free 1-833-235-7702).

Applications are due — by mail, fax or email — by 5 p.m. NT on March 28.

Eligibility for standing is set out in the Public Inquiries Act. The act states a person, company or group may be given the chance to participate. Standing is awarded by the commissioner after considering whether or not the applicant could be adversely affected by findings, whether or not participation would help the work of the inquiry and whether or not it would contribute to openness and fairness.

The inquiry will attempt to answer a number of questions relating to the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project undertaken by Nalcor Energy and backed by the provincial government. Those questions include whether or not Muskrat Falls was the lowest-cost power option for the province and whether any other options for the supply of additional power were considered, aside from Muskrat Falls and the “isolated island option” with no link of Newfoundland to the mainland power grid.

More information is available online at https://www.muskratfallsinquiry.ca/.