Universal Helicopters flying workers into Muskrat Falls

Company is owned by Nunatsiavut Group of Cos.

The relationship between Universal Helicopters and the Nunatsiavut government is drawing some questions after the company announced it is flying workers to the Muskrat Falls construction site from Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The Nunatsiavut Group of Cos. (NGC) owns most of the helicopter company, which is part of the Labrador Inuit Capital Strategy Trust. (LICST)

“The LICST is arm’s length from the government,” said Bert Pomeroy, communications manager for the Nunatsiavut government. “It has its own board that makes its own decisions. The Nunatsiavut Government cannot and does not dictate to the NGC or Universal Helicopters what they can or cannot do.

“While the Nunatsiavut Government is disappointed with this situation, we have no control over the NGC or Universal or their decision-making.”

Universal announced on Oct. 20 it will fly workers to the site, as per a contract it has with Nalcor Energy to provide helicopter services for the project.

“Our position is to continue to meet our customers’ demand, according to the terms of our contractual obligations,” the company said in a release. “Universal cannot take part in activities that could impact our business against the best interest of our stakeholders.”

The release stated that Universal Helicopters hopes there could be a “quick, amicable and knowledgeable resolution to the concerns raised by our stakeholders with regard to the clear cutting of the lands.”

Some protesters have broken away from the protest site and are setting up a protest at the Universal Helicopters office in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.