Green Party Leader: Harper's new "deal" does not un-do earlier betrayal

OTTAWA - The news that Nova Scotia would have some form of comfort in a side-deal with the federal government does not redress the fundamental betrayal by Prime Minster Stephen Harper, said the Green Party today.

"I am, like many Nova Scotians, relieved that the financial worst-case scenarios will not play out due to the federal budget betrayal of the contractual commitments of the Atlantic Accord," said Green Party leader Elizabeth May. "Neverthless, the stubborn refusal of the Harper government to uncouple the Atlantic Accord from the equalization formula means that he still does not understand the nature of the contract."

"It was and is Bill Casey's strong stand on principle that has driven this deal of expediency on the eve of an election. That he remains outside of the Harper government is a clear sign of the fact that people of integrity are not welcome in that caucus."