I think the key thing about AbitibiBowater's claim is that it was appropriate for them to expect compensation. I think the Newfoundland government accepted this for their real assets.
Contrary to what Mr. McMahon has said, the full range of resource rights are not considered property rights. It's not just a matter of governments legislating this. Even when governments don't prescribe, and it's left to the courts, there's a common law presumption that compensation will be paid.
The courts do not protect all types of resource rights and permits. It's not an ownership right. These are publicly owned resources. This is an issue for every province in Canada. I served as a provincial official, and I can tell you that every province in Canada, including those that are very supportive of these agreements, protect their rights over resources and are insistent on this notion that these are publicly owned resources and that access to them is a conditional right.
To your last point, yes, there are a lot of claims. There are a variety of interests involved here. Unfortunately, the various levels of government are picking up the tab. I think the Newfoundland government has stepped into the breach. I'm disappointed that the only federal intervention was solely on behalf of the company and its investors.