Some suggestions for trimming the fat at Nalcor

In a report, recently released by Liberty Consulting, we learned that the executive suites at Nalcor and NL Hydro are bursting at the seams, presenting a significant opportunity to reduce operational costs and target those savings toward rate mitigation efforts.

You may be familiar with Liberty’s work.

They are the same consultants that informed us that #Darknl was caused by a failure by NL Hydro to perform basic maintenance on its electrical system. Remember?

Shortly thereafter, all of NL Hydro’s executives received big bonuses, which the former Nalcor CEO attempted to justify by stating they had a “great safety record.”

Should government decide to act on these latest recommendations by Liberty to trim the fat in these top-heavy government entities (and I would hope they do), I offer the following suggestion.

Before engaging in any kind of downsizing initiatives, first conduct a thorough review of the activities of all of the individuals occupying these executive suites and determine if they had any direct involvement in the Muskrat Falls debacle.

Were they directly involved in low-balling cost estimates, withholding risk reports and/or mismanaging any aspect of the project that led us to the $12.7-billion price tag?

Should it be determined that they fall into one or all of these categories, while their name should absolutely form part of the staff reduction list, it should fall under the “without remuneration” column.

This categorization brings with it a pink slip, fired for cause, and of course would be in addition to any additional civil and/or criminal investigation that may potentially be required.

Now of course, we absolutely know there are many good people working for Nalcor and NL Hydro at various levels of the organization, individuals who come to the office or go out into the field every day, give a solid effort and perform their duties in a professional and ethical manner.

Should any of these individuals find themselves in the unfortunate circumstance of being in the crosshairs of any downsizing activities, they should absolutely receive every last penny they are due as well as our collective appreciation for their service and well wishes in their future endeavours.

However, as for the aforementioned individuals who knowingly lead us down the garden path, their fate cannot be so pleasant. And while it may be argued that it would be easier, cleaner and cheaper to simply allow everyone (including these people) to “move on” with full redundancy benefits, we simply cannot allow that to happen.

The people of NL deserve accountability.

Convenience and potential court costs cannot prevent us from seeking justice and sending a strong message to those that hold our people in such disregard.

I hope our government has the fortitude to stand up for the people in this regard and make sure justice is served.

Paul Lane, Independent MHA District of Mount Pearl-southlands