If the government changes hands this fall in Quebec, it could have profound meaning for Labrador – and the MOU for hydroelectric power development.

The Parti Québécois has promised that if elected in October, it wants to reopen a century old debate about their borders.

In 1927, the borders of Labrador were drawn to reflect what we know today and jurisdiction of that territory was given to the Dominion of Newfoundland.

Prior to that, Labrador was essentially a sliver of coastline, with the rest of the Big Land considered part of Quebec.

The PQ says that if an energy deal is struck with Newfoundland and Labrador over Churchill Falls, it wants compensation for Quebec’s loss of Labrador.

If this province and the current Quebec government want to make sure a deal is signed, it’ll have to be finalized in the next month, before a Quebec general election is called.

Catherine Lévesque, a political reporter with the National Post, published an article about the new PQ demands in yesterday’s paper.

She says an election is expected to be called by Premier Fréchette in late August or early September, so a deal would have to be finalized by then.

The Parti Quebecois is afraid that she will give too many concessions just to wrap it up quickly,” says Lévesque. “If the PQ is elected in October, they might just look at it and say ‘we’re happy with the 1969 agreement and leave it in place’.”