Former CEO defends ‘good governance’ at inquiry into Muskrat Falls cost overruns

By The Canadian Press

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — The former CEO of the Crown corporation behind the Muskrat Falls hydro megaproject defended his management decisions as he took the stand at the inquiry into its cost and schedule overruns Monday.

Ed Martin was head of Nalcor Energy until 2016, and was described by inquiry co-counsel Kate O’Brien as “gatekeeper” overseeing the Labrador dam that has doubled in costs to more than $12.7 billion.

Martin’s testimony follows months of inquiry witnesses describing the years leading up to the 2012 sanction of the project, including an audit suggesting Nalcor understated the project’s risks.

Former government officials, expert witnesses and inquiry commissioners have described a lack of documents showing thorough review of cost estimates and project risks.

Martin defended his “good governance” of the project, though he told inquiry counsel he could not guarantee all conversations with government officials and Nalcor board members were documented.

Former Newfoundland and Labrador premier Kathy Dunderdale will take the stand next week as the final witness in the first of three inquiry phases.

Hearing dates are scheduled until next August and a final report on the inquiry’s findings is expected in December 2019.

The Canadian Press

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