Natural Resources Minister Jerome Kennedy insists there is no need to extend a formal review of the Lower Churchill project, and says the assessment of Muskrat Falls has gone on long enough.

Jerome Kennedy says there is enough time for 'the PUB to answer what is [or] should be a fairly simple question.' CBC

In a feature interview with On Point with David Cochrane, Kennedy defended his decision to deny an extension to the March 31 deadline for the Public Utilities Board to review Nalcor's case for the $6.2-billion megaproject. [Click the video above to view the full episode.]

"They've been at this since June," Kennedy said in an interview, even though PUB chair Andy Wells said the regulator's review of Muskrat Falls has been stymied because Nalcor has not turned over information.

Kennedy said the PUB will get the documentation it needs in time to reach the deadline.

"All of the information is there. I'm confident and I hope that the PUB can make a decision," said Kennedy, adding the review is addressing whether Muskrat Falls is the lowest cost option for power.

"The March 31 date is a date that is more than reasonable to allow the PUB to answer what is [or] should be a fairly simple question."

Kennedy said he rejected an extension because government wants the matter to be debated during the spring sitting of the house of assembly.

Meanwhile, the Muskrat Falls review is the subject of the On Point panel. Shawn Skinner, the former natural resources minister, says he believes a special sitting of the legislature is warranted. Other members of the panel this week including Telegram columnist Russell Wangersky and labour leader Lana Payne.

In another segment, MHAs David Brazil, Andrew Parsons and Dale Kirby react to Kennedy's comments.

On Point airs each Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. NT, and episodes are available on demand through the On Point page on the CBC Newfoundland and Labrador website.