Williams' Donations Swing Election, Energy Saga Unfolds

0:00Former Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams dropped over $46,000 into the progressive conservatives before last year's election, helping them snag a slim win in a province with no limits on political donations from people or companies. Elections data just released shows the Liberals pulled in nearly $1,280,000 in big contributions. Edging out the PCs at $1,660,000 while the NDP grabbed over $250,000, including chunks from labor unions. Companies went both ways too. Outfits like Marco Group gave the Liberals $72,000 pre-vote but later hit the PCs with $21,800, seafood giant ocean choice spread cash across both sides and energy firms like North Atlantic and Everwin fuels. Donated tens of thousands total, Williams, who ran the province for seven years until 2010, hated the Liberals' draft energy deal with Hydro-Cabec over Churchill Falls Power.

1:00So he funded anti-deal signs and backed PC leader Tony Wakeham's pledge for a review and referendum. The PCs took 21 of 40 seats, ending a decade of liberal rule, and wrapped the campaign with a surplus while the Liberals posted a, deficit now watch how that energy saga plays out in the new house. This has been Calgary News today, powered by AI.