In an escalating war of words between Mr. Williams and the multinational company, Mr. Paterson describes Newfoundland and Labrador's seizure of its assets as “confiscatory and hostile actions” that could damage the province and Canada.
“The legislation is an entirely unfounded and unscrupulous attack by the province of Newfoundland and Labrador,” it says.
“The legislation, which is without precedent in Canada, and is reminiscent of decrees emanating from jurisdictions with less democratic traditions, shocks common sensibility.”
Rule of Law is taking a beating in Canada lately.
I can't stand Williams. The worst part of this? If the company challenges it the US will take it up with the Feds and the Feds will be obliged to fight on behalf of Williams. Which means you and me, the tax payer will be footing the legal dime over this move.
ReplyDeleteReally? Oh man. That's infuriating!I just thought the Newfies were on their own.
ReplyDeleteIt will be a NAFTA issue so it will be fought by the Feds on behalf of Williams. Annoying as hell.
ReplyDeleteGrrr... related to my previous comments above. Of course he's unfazed. He's not required to do any of the heavy lifting.
ReplyDelete"AbitibiBowater has said it is consulting with officials in Canada and in the U.S. over a possible challenge using the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Again, Williams said he is unfazed.
"We're acting within our rights here. If there's going to be a NAFTA challenge, so be it," he said.
"It appears that Abitibi are trying to adopt that similar type of jargon and to try and impress probably political leaders or people with political influence, but, you know, that doesn't work with me," he said."
Full article here;
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2008/12/23/williams-abitibi.html
Anything that underminds the NAFTA agreement good ol' Jack will support;
ReplyDeleteLayton backs expropriation
December 23, 2008
Federal NDP leader Jack Layton says he's behind Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams's actions to expropriate AbitibiBowater assets, and his party hopes the government of Ontario will take similar action. "The premier has made a very bold move on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and I've congratulated him on having the foresight to take such a step, not only for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador today but for future generations," Layton said after meeting with Williams. As many people may lose their jobs through the paper company's restructuring process, Layton says Williams took an "important new approach" to public policy. The paper and wood products company announced Monday it hopes to sell its hydroelectric assets in Ontario by early next year. The company is in the process of "de-leveraging" to repay debt and improve profitability.
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