PC candidate clarifies Muskrat Falls position

The Progressive Conservative candidate for Lake Melville in the Newfoundland and Labrador election is clarifying his position on the Muskrat Falls project.

Keith Russell, formerly with the Nunatsiavut government,  has had concerns with the environmental impact of the project but said he doesn't disagree with it fundamentally.

"I did have environmental concerns and I still have environmental concerns and I have concerns about the socio-economic aspects of large developments and how they affect municipalities as well," said Russell.

Russell said his concerns ranged from methyl mercury contamination, right on up to the 'boom and the bust' scenarios that happen with major developments.

"The concerns are still the same, I haven't changed my mind on those issues. Those are the concerns of the people of this district, those are still my concerns," said Russell.

Russell said it's about looking to the future.

"We have to have a trade off between those concerns and also prosperity for the people and also something for the younger generation to look forward to."

PC Leader Kathy Dunderdale was in Labrador on Thursday and campaigned with Russell.

She said she does not have a problem with his concerns over the project.