Sullivan aims to hold feds to equalization promise

Heading to a meeting of finance ministers in Vancouver on Thursday,Loyola Sullivanvows to hold thefederal government toapromisethey'll keep non-renewable resourcesout ofthe equalization formula.

The Newfoundland and Labrador finance minister is going to the meeting with a signed promise from Prime Minister Stephen Harper toremove non-renewable resourcesandensureno province will be harmed by changes to the equalization formula.

"We're going to follow up to get these commitments delivered here," Sullivan said.

But Liberal Leader Gerry Reid says Premier Danny Williams may have already ruined the government's rapport with Ottawa.

Thepremier has clashed publicly with Harper several times in the past year.

In October, for example, Harper was in Gander for a meeting of provincial Progressive Conservatives. Williams reacted angrily when Harper wouldn't repeat his Jan. 4 promise to keep resources out of the equalization formula.

Reid said it's the premier's style to be confrontational, whether he's dealing with other governments or with big businesses.

"He tries to bully. He tries to intimidate," Reid said. "He tried it with Exxon Mobil, Abitibi and FPI [Fishery Products International] and now Stephen Harper is just the latest one."

Sullivan, who hasalso met with Harper on a number of occasions, says his negotiating style is different from the premier's.

"I'm probably not as animated in meetings," he said. "Everyone has their own unique personalities in dealing with things and it's no reflection on our resolve on issues at all."