The political landscape is shifting in neighbouring Quebec, giving renewed hope to the belief that an MOU favourable for both provinces can be reached on the Upper Churchill.
The previous government reached a Memorandum of Understanding last year with Hydro Quebec under the Coalition Avenir led by Francois Legault.
The deadline set by the previous government for finalization of the MOU has come and gone, and the current government is awaiting the analysis of a review panel to determine whether the MOU is the best deal possible for NL.
The Liberals framed finalizing the MOU with a sense of urgency, arguing that with the CAQ languishing in the polls and a surge in support for the separatist Parti Quebecois, reaching a new deal as favourable for Newfoundland and Labrador would be unlikely.
Joël-Denis Bellavance (La Presse)
But that was then, and this is now.
Legault has stepped down, replaced by Christine Fréchette, and the Quebec Liberals have seen a sudden surge in support as a provincial election draws near. Parliamentary Bureau Chief with La Presse, Joël-Denis Bellavance, says the political tone in Quebec is changing.
He says it’s no longer a given that the Parti Quebecois will win the next election and propose a referendum. “In fact, I would argue that the writing is on the wall. That Paul St. Pierre Plamondon the leader, that the Parti Quebecois will suffer the same fate as Pierre Poilievre.”
