Quebec has chosen a new government, the Parti Québécois, amid discussions on energy projects along the Churchill River. However, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham remains optimistic about finalizing a deal.
In August, Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette signed a new agreement concerning Churchill Falls and other electricity ventures in Labrador with Newfoundland and Labrador and Ottawa. Fréchette mentioned the PQ’s interest in potentially revising the deal.
Former PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon stated that although he wouldn’t cancel the agreement, his party would conduct a thorough review if elected. He criticized the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as “humiliating” for Quebec and requested legislative members to review it.
During an event in Corner Brook, Wakeham expressed confidence in reaching out to the PQ transition team and discussing the agreement details with the incoming premier. He believes that once the new premier understands the agreement, they will see its benefits for both Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Wakeham mentioned that he doesn’t anticipate having to persuade Premier-designate St-Pierre Plamondon about the project’s merits, as the advantages are self-evident. He highlighted that the agreement should speak for itself, noting the absence of PQ discussions about scrapping it during the election campaign.
Energy and Mines Minister Lloyd Parrott dismissed concerns about the PQ’s impact on finalizing the deal, emphasizing that it is primarily a negotiation between the two power utilities. He emphasized the importance of the deal for Quebec and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro president Jennifer Williams expressed interest in collaborating with Hydro-Québec and the new Quebec government to move forward with the agreement. She stated that the 2026 agreement addressed significant issues between the utilities, leaving only final negotiations to resolve outstanding matters.
Liberal Leader John Hogan viewed the election of a separatist government as an opportunity to potentially renegotiate for a better deal for Newfoundland and Labrador. He urged Premier Wakeham to engage with Quebec to seek more favorable terms for the province.
Hogan emphasized the need for the new Quebec government to listen to the concerns of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and potentially reset the negotiations for mutual benefit. He highlighted the opportunity to improve terms without starting from scratch.
Overall, stakeholders remain optimistic about finalizing the energy development agreements, with ongoing discussions and potential for positive outcomes through collaboration and negotiation.
