“It is a transformational project for Atlantic Canada that will take the region and our country to a new level of industrial development,” said Jim Prentice, former high-profile Conservative and current senior executive vice-president of CIBC. “In my opinion, the federal government has done the right thing in supporting the development of the remaining hydropower potential of the Churchill River… and in the days ahead, the voters in Newfoundland and Labrador will have the opportunity to voice their opinion as well.” Prentice emphasized that he wasn’t trying to sway voters on the rock. “I’m here speaking on behalf of our bank and we are supportive of the project,” he told reporters.