Walter Noel
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Walter Noel was first elected to Newfoundland and Labrador’s House of Assembly as the MHA for Pleasantville District in 1989, and re-elected in 1993. He has been elected to represent the new Virginia Waters district in 1996 and 1999. Premier Brian Tobin appointed him the province’s Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs on December 15, 1998 and Minister of Government Services and Lands on February 13, 2001; under Premier Roger Grimes, he was appointed Minister of Mines and Energy on February 17, 2003.
Walter has always lived in St. John’s. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He operated his own business prior to being elected, is a former president of the St. John’s Downtown Development Corporation, and was a founding member of the Virginia Waters Conservation Society.
Walter believes change in Canada’s federal system is essential to enable less populous provinces to develop their economic potential and participate equitable in national affairs. He feels this can only be accomplished through an elected Senate in which all provinces are equally represented, as in the United States. He believes the financial contribution his province makes to the country, and the cost of national policies contrary to it’s interests, are not properly understood. Newfoundland and Labrador has far more potential than other jurisdictions of similar size, in his view, and will achieve economic self-sufficiency through successful management of it’s human and natural resources, and the development of appropriate relationships with other jurisdictions. He has advocated the kind of analysis presently being undertaken by the Royal Commission on Renewing and Strengthening Our Place in Canada since he first sought election. He pursued these objectives as a private member of the legislature, and as Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs.
As Minister of Government Services and Lands Walter appointed a Consumer Advocate for automobile insurance rate hearings and worked to reform the province’s automobile insurance system, had legislation passed to prohibit the use of cell phones by drivers while driving, oversaw the establishment of the Petroleum Products Pricing Commission, vigorously enforced consumer protection regulations, and promoted e-commerce initiatives.
While Minister of Mines and Energy in the Liberal government under Premier Roger Grimes Walter believed resources had to be developed in the best long term interest of all citizens. He is confident that Voisey’s Bay will produce maximum benefits and encourage new mining developments. Walter looks forward to pursuing all possibilities for acceptable development of Churchill Falls hydro power; promoting development and increasing benefits of petroleum resource projects; helping ensure that implementing the Kyoto agreement serves the province’s best interests; and making sure electricity is generated and distributed as efficiently as possible.
As the former Virginia Waters MHA, he worked closely with his constituents, holding public meetings and participating widely in community activities. He works constantly to help develop St. John’s and get provincial support for projects like the Mile One Stadium and Convention Centre, The Rooms, Harbour Clean-up, and the MacMorran Community Centre.
In the July 28, 2004 federal election, Noel unsuccessfully ran in the riding of St. John's North for the Liberal Party.
External link
- Walter Noel website (http://www.walternoel.com)