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18 June 2007

Dan Leger's truth telling

From the Chronicle Herald, Dan Leger's column.

An interesting perspective and generally and accurate summary of the major relevant points.

One point of disagreement:
Truth No. 5: The federal government can and it has unilaterally changed the Atlantic accord. It can also claw back Nova Scotia’s gas royalties and it can thumb its nose at our complaints. All these moves are perfectly legal and constitutional. The Atlantic accord is merely an "arrangement" signed by two fairly junior cabinet ministers.
First, Brian Mulroney and Brian Peckford don't qualify as junior cabinet ministers.

Second, the 1985 Atlantic Accord for Newfoundland and Labrador states specifically that neither party can amend the enabling legislation unilaterally. Maybe the Nova Scotia deal is different.

That's not my dog.

The feds can do what they want on Equalization, within the limits of politics.

When it comes to the terms of the actual agreements, they can't.

That is my dog.

-srbp-