Quebec Premier Francois Legault says he is ready to make “adjustments” to the Churchill Falls energy agreement between his province and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The contract’s official end comes in 2041, but the provinces are starting to talk about future arrangements.
The Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador says he will not make a bad deal with Quebec on the Upper Churchill—especially on a Friday afternoon.
(Photo by Emilie Madeau, via Premier Andrew Furey on Twitter.)
Premier Francois Legault reached out to NL a few days ago, asking for talks with his colleague on the status of the flawed hydro deal.
The contract gives Hydro Quebec about 15 times the profits which NL receives.
Premier Andrew Furey says we are going into the discussions as listeners. He says we’re in a good position strategically and are not going into the talks on bended knee.
They will have a chat over supper tonight, then go into more serious discussions tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader David Brazil is urging the Premier not to sign any long-term deals as we don’t know what 2041 will bring in terms of hydro power and its worth.
He also wants to see Quebec bring something to the table which acknowledges the wrongs of the past.
The NDP is concerned about an apparent lack of transparency in talks with Quebec on the Upper Churchill and hydro development.
Labrador West MHA Jordan Brown says Quebec Premier Francois Legault has been busily tweeting in recent days about the need for greater hydro development.
Brown says he can’t help but wonder what Quebec’s level of interest is in the existing contract and whether or not they might be willing to make a new deal sooner, rather than later.
