Outgoing Quebec Premier Francois Legault says he was confident his province would find a “win-win” energy deal with Newfoundland and Labrador, but Premier Tony Wakeham says his focus remains on getting the best result.
Legault pulled no punches on the way out, saying ‘unfortunately” there was an election in Newfoundland and Labrador last year that placed a new premier in power who isn’t on the same page with the deal.
The MOU, signed under then-premier Andrew Furey, touted what was described as the best deal for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Furey famously rips apart a copy of the original Churchill Falls agreement with Quebec. (VOCM News)
Wakeham has since committed to a full independent review, with the results expected sometime this spring.
The deal would see Hydro-Quebec pay much more for hydroelectric power from the Churchill Falls plant in Labrador. It would also bring significant development to the Churchill River.
Opinion polls have the opposition Parti Québécois ahead, which has made little comment on its position on the MOU.
Legault says he will step down when his party chooses a replacement.
Time is of the Essence, says Liberal Leader
(John Hogan/Facebook)
The resignation of Legault has the Liberals wondering what this means for the future of the MOU with that province.
Leader John Hogan says he worked closely with Legault during his time as premier, and before that as a cabinet minister.
He says he wasn’t surprised by the move, as Legault has been down in the polls and struggling politically.
Hogan states that Legault made a point of mentioning the MOU during his news conference, and says it was an important file for him.
He says Legault is sticking around until a new leader is chosen, so there is an opportunity for the provincial government to work with him to get the deal done.
Hogan stresses that time is of the essence.
“I know he (Wakeham) has talked about artificial deadlines, but things change, politics change, (and) people change. I would encourage him to continue to negotiate with Hydro Quebec right now, to move towards a deal before there’s an election in Quebec in October where we see the separatists are leading in the polls and they are very much anti MOU. So let’s just not lose this opportunity; let’s take this as a bit of a wake-up call. I’m sure Premier Legault is willing to continue those discussions with premier Wakeham, and I encourage them both to get together sooner rather than later.”
