Negotiations between this province and Quebec have resumed on reaching a memorandum of understanding on Churchill Falls and future hydro development, however questions are being asked in Quebec about whether partnering with NL on hydro development is beneficial to that province.

The previous MOU, rejected by a review panel put together by Premier Tony Wakeham, had Hydro Quebec footing the $25-billion bill for development – in exchange for access to new projects on the Churchill River.

An opinion piece in Le Devoir questions whether proposed hydro expansion on the Churchill River and the development of Gull Island are good for Quebec.

Serge Roy says Quebec only has guaranteed access to electricity from Gull Island for 40 years.

Among the options being considered by Hydro Quebec is the development of 10,000 MW of wind power, at half the cost of developing Gull Island.

Roy says when it comes to Gull Island, NL will be the primary beneficiary, while building wind turbines in Quebec will benefit Quebec.

He argues there is no reason to give this province $25.5 billion for projects that “bring no value to Quebec.”