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Newfoundland and Labrador Tory Leaves Party as Debate About Quebec Energy Deal Begins
Russell said he acted on conscience as the governing Tories faced an early setback in support for the new Churchill Falls agreement.
- On Monday, Lake Melville MHA Keith Russell crossed the floor to sit as an Independent member at the start of the House of Assembly's special sitting on Churchill Falls power.
- The legislature convened to debate a draft energy agreement regarding the 5,400-megawatt Churchill Falls hydroelectric plant, currently managed under a contract long viewed as favorable to Hydro-Québec.
- Russell stated he made the decision "with some sadness but with a clear conscience," explaining he must listen to his conscience and prioritize his district's people above party affiliation.
- His departure leaves the Progressive Conservative party with half of the 40 seats in the legislature, though the government retains a working majority because the Speaker does not vote except to break ties.
- NDP Leader Jim Dinn expressed surprise, saying "I can honestly say I didn't see that one coming," as Russell shook hands with Opposition House Leader Lisa Dempster during the resulting recess.
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The Toronto Star+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Critics in Newfoundland slam power agreement with Hydro-Québec as bad for province
ST. JOHN'S - There was turmoil in and outside the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature Monday as a four-day debate about a tentative deal to share Labrador energy with Hydro-Québec got
·Toronto, Canada
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Keith Russell left the Progressive Conservative Party in NL; the MP in Lac Melville, Labrador, would now sit as an independent.
·Montreal, Canada
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Keith Russell announces split from PC party; will sit as an Independent
Progressive Conservative MHA for Lake Melville Keith Russell announced Monday he is crossing the floor and will sit as an independent member rather than with Newfoundland and Labrador's PC government.
·Ottawa, Canada
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Total News Sources6
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 20%
R 20%
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