Justice report into Nalcor severance will not be released, says Andrew Parsons

Newfoundland and Labrador's minister of justice says he will not release the government's internal report into Ed Martin's severance, citing lawyer-client privilege.

The government changed tune in Question Period on Monday, refusing to release the report less than a week after Premier Dwight Ball signaled he was open to the idea.

• Dwight Ball asks for investigation into Ed Martin severance
• Ed Martin says Dwight Ball approved severance pay

Justice Minister Andrew Parsons told reporters on Monday afternoon that the report is covered under lawyer-client privilege, and its release could bias testimony before the auditor general.

"It will have an effect on the individuals who may be called in, under subpoena and under oath to testify...to have a legal opinion [released] before they give that testimony," he said.

The Department of Justice concluded a report into the Nalcor severance scandal in May. The report concluded that an independent investigation was required for a "fulsome determination of the issues."

The premier subsequently requested the auditor general perform an investigation. Parsons says all relevant documentation has been provided.

"Any information that the AG requires will be provided as soon as the request comes in," Parsons said. "We look forward to that report."