According to Brazil, the report notes “dozens” of decisions made by Prime Minister Andrew Fury that were hidden from the public until the media covered the issue. One of those decisions, says Brazil, is a new Churchill Energy Analysis Team, chaired by Brenden Padick. Brazil claims that the Furey government does not believe that discussions on future hydroelectric development on the Churchill River, led by a “close personal friend”, are in the public interest. He went on to say that the government did not disclose the creation of a cyber security cabinet committee late last year and that it was Furey’s decision – not the NL Center for Health Information – to terminate his former CEO. Brazil calls on Furey to explain the situation and commit to full transparency in cabinet decisions. NDP reaction (File photo.) Meanwhile, the NDP MHA Jordan Brown issued a statement on the situation. He says Paddick’s appointment is another example of the government “giving every opportunity it can to its wealthy friends behind closed doors”. Brown notes that the appointment happened as people in the county face cost increases and population declines. Brown says the government must be transparent and the prime minister must be honest about his intentions. Government reaction Prime Minister Andrew Furey argues that the reason Brazil is aware of such government activities is that it discloses them publicly. Regarding the Churchill River Energy Analysis Team, Furey says people in the county have “benefited greatly” from Paddick’s work with the percentage mitigation team and it is “only wise” to continue to rely on their know-how to update the work of the 2041 team. Furey concludes that the government enjoys regular and open deliberations in the House of Commons, public consultation and ensures transparency and transparency, while respecting appropriate legislation.
