Muskrat Falls challenge delayed after judge considers whether to remove herself

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – A Newfoundland judge has adjourned a legal challenge of the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project as she considers whether to remove herself from the case.

Provincial Supreme Court Judge Gillian Butler says she will likely issue a written ruling next week on the matter after Brad Cabana argued she should step down because of her personal, political and professional ties.

Cabana told the court that Butler has a history of representing hydro clients and donating to the Progressive Conservative party, now the provincial government, that supports Muskrat Falls.

Butler told Cabana that his reference to political contributions is irrelevant, saying the political contributions he cited date back to 1996, well before her appointment to the bench in 2007.

Cabana apologized.

He is trying to stop the $7.7-billion hydro development in Labrador, alleging various constitutional violations.