How Fast-Tracked Legislation and Federal Overreach Are Threatening Newfoundland's Future
Outraged doesn't even begin to describe how I, along with the majority of Newfoundlanders, feel about the recent passing of Bill C-49 (44-1) on October 3, 2024 as it received royal assent. This legislation, which amends the cherished Atlantic Accord of 1987, represents a profound betrayal of the trust and autonomy that our province once held over its natural resources.
Below you will find several personal testimonies from local residents of the Burin Peninsula and across Newfoundland about how they feel violated over this new bill.
When Premier Brian Peckford and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney signed the original Atlantic Accord in 1987, it was a landmark moment—a day of joy and historical significance for Newfoundlanders. It granted Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as Nova Scotia, complete control over their offshore resources, empowering our provinces to manage our own destinies.
Now, with the enactment of Bill C-49 (44-1) , the federal government has seized the power to interfere in the development, management, and distribution of profits from our offshore and other resources. This isn't just a step backwards; it's a violation of the Canadian Constitution and an affront to the principles of provincial autonomy. Money talks, and this disgraceful move only underscores the rampant corruption that has been uncovered under Trudeau's government since it took power.
The Bill contains 32 references to Bill C-69, the new Impact Assessment Act, which the Supreme Court of Canada has deemed 97% unconstitutional. How this bill was passed and incorporated by fast-tracking it in Parliament without any formal agreements signed—only MOUs—is deeply troubling and raises serious questions about the transparency and integrity of the legislative process and reeks of further corruption. Especially when countries around the globe are decommissioning wind turbines and working towards more sustainable solutions such as nuclear energy and liquefied natural gas.
We closely followed the bill's progress through televised parliamentary sessions and in mid-February, we reached out to our local Conservative MP, Clifford Small, who opposed the bill. Our goal was to have him support a federal petition urging the Government of Canada to reject Bill C-49. Despite multiple revisions and earnest efforts, we were unable to secure his backing for the petition.
Undeterred, on February 23, 2024, we developed and launched an online awareness campaign about the bill and started a petition via Google Forms. In the first two months, we gathered 291 signatures. Seeking broader support, we moved the petition to Change.org. This effort garnered an additional 1,081 signatures, bringing the total to 1,371.
Unfortunately, rather than benefiting the Atlantic provinces, this bill will be a disaster—resulting in generational destruction of Newfoundland's and the south coast's unique culture and way of life. There's a reason why you never see boats near a wind farm: they're dangerous, and the fish, marine life, and biodiversity will be destroyed as we’ve seen with our coastal neighbours to the south. Talk about impacting economies—the fishery provides 25% of Newfoundland's GDP, and the tourism industry accounts for another 20%. Both will be devastated, with impacts lasting generations.
The once-thriving communities along Newfoundland's coasts and the Grand Banks that attracted visitors from around the world will gradually dwindle. Who comes to Newfoundland to look at wind turbines and offshore wind farms? Not to mention, what will happen when the icebergs flow in the late spring and summer. The research isn’t good.
There are so many things wrong with this picture, it's hard to fathom just how greed transforms our leaders into traitors to their own people. Instead of looking out for the interests of the nation, they fill their pockets with backdoor deals and retire from politics with large pensions and lucrative board or advisory positions in government and renewable energy companies.
We deserve leaders who will stand up for our rights and preserve the heritage and natural beauty that define us—not ones who sell out our future for personal gain.
Voices from the Community
Below are personal testimonies from local residents of the Burin Peninsula and across Newfoundland expressing their opposition to Bill C-49:
"This is resettlement without any compensation. No, I don't agree."
"I say 'NO' to Bill C-49."
"This government does not care about its taxpayers. They keep taking our rights away. Enough is enough."
"Tired of our government taking from us. No to Bill C-49. As Newfoundlanders, we have lost too much already."
"Leave the Atlantic Accord as it is!"
"Time for Newfoundlanders to stand up for themselves against all this corruption and crookery."
“Why do the people that we elect to work for us not listen. They definitely have to be released from their positions. It's not always about the money 🤑🤑🤑. Not many of them stays true to themselves.”
“With the abundance of hydro electricity. Newfoundland doesn’t need wind turbines”
The passing of Bill C-49 is more than just a legislative change; it's a profound threat to the autonomy, culture, and way of life that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have cherished for generations. The overwhelming response to our petition—with over 1,000 signatures surpassing our initial goal—along with the heartfelt testimonies from residents, underscores the deep-rooted concerns we all share.
This legislation not only undermines our rights over our natural resources but also poses significant risks to our fisheries, tourism, national security, and cultural identity. The lack of transparency and rapid progression of this bill through Parliament raises serious questions about the integrity of our democratic processes.
But we are not powerless. The collective voices of our community have made an impact before, and they can do so again. We must unite, stand firm, and work strategically to protect our province and our future.
We invite all local residents to reach out and join us in a coordinated and strategic effort to ensure the success of our shared goals and protect the future of our communities.
Take Action Now
Join Us - Connect with Concerns About Wind Energy (CAWE) to participate in organized efforts.
Sign the Petition - If you haven't already, add your name to our petition opposing Bill C-49.
Share Your Story - Your personal experiences and concerns matter. Share them to amplify our collective voice.
Contract Your Representatives - Reach out to local officials and express your opposition to the bill and the proposed projects.
Our strength lies in our unity and determination. Let's come together to safeguard our rights, preserve our heritage, and ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
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