Offshore Oil Revenues

Prime Minister Paul Martin said a Liberal government would change the Atlantic Accord to make Newfoundland and Labrador the primary beneficiary of its offshore oil resources..."This was done over the phone (Saturday morning)," [Premiere Danny] Williams said of Martin's promise. "It's by word of mouth and I'm taking him on his word and that's good enough for me.

Province will get oil profits, PM says;
by Will M. Hilliard
The Telegram
 Jun 6, 2004

"The prime minister has indicated very clearly that we will get 100 per cent," Williams said.

The premier said he is waiting to hear back from Natural Resources Minister John Efford, to do "some crossing the t's and dotting the i's" on the deal.

Meanwhile, in Nova Scotia, New Democrat MP Peter Stoffer said the federal Liberals have long insisted that deals with the two Atlantic provinces governing offshore oil and gas cannot be renegotiated.

Stoffer said the federal Liberals' change of heart in the last few days amounts to a last-minute act of desperation to gain votes as the June 28 election looms.

"I think it's rather hypocritical," Stoffer told a news conference.

"Until (voters) see it in writing, a firm commitment from this prime minister, then they shouldn't take it at all."

Verbal promises on offshore revenues not good enough
by Rob Antle and Derrick Toth
The Telegram
Jun 9, 2004

"They're slapping us in the face. I'm not willing to fly that flag anymore in the province," an angry Williams told at a news conference Thursday in St. John's.

Williams continued his fiery attack on the federal government Thursday, a day after he broke off talks with Ottawa on reaching an offshore revenue deal.

The premier accused federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale of negotiating in bad faith at Wednesday's meeting in Winnipeg.

"It's also quite apparent to me that we were dragged to Manitoba in order to punish us, quite frankly, to try to embarrass us, to bring us out there to get no deal and send us back with our tail between our legs," said Williams.

Nfld. premier orders Canadian flags removed over revenue dispute
National Post
December 23, 2004

$50 Billion Dollar Black Hole

"PRIME MINISTER Paul Martin says a Conservative government would sink Canada into a $50-billion "black hole" [over 4 years] and plunge the country into deficit...."It's a simple question of math. Where is he going to find the $50 billion? It doesn't exist," Martin said."

PM sees 'black hole'
by Stephanie Rubec
Sun Media
8 June 2004

"Mr. Orr points out that the Harper plan is based on the premise that during the just- ended fiscal year of 2003-4, the federal government has a larger surplus that it has recognized. That surplus would be worth $4- billion in the first year and, over the four-year period, about $18- billion."

Liberal black hole
by Terence Corcoran
National Post
24 June 2004

"These guys were lying," said Conservative Leader Stephen Harper."

Critics see red over $9B surplus
 By Stephanie Rubec
Ottawa Sun
14 Oct 2004

National Drug Plan

"The objective of a Liberal government will be to agree with provinces and territories on a national pharmaceuticals strategy by 2006. That would be followed by appropriate legislation and supported by a federal funding contribution, the size of which will be determined once the strategy is agreed. In the meantime, needed drugs will be included in the proposed home care program - freeing many of the need to stay in hospital by allowing them to receive medication free of charge at home.” 

Moving Canada Forward
(Liberal Election Platform)
page 22

Goodale cool to pharmacare plan
CBC News
20 August 2004