Quebec Premier François Legault stands by the energy deal with Newfoundland and Labrador, as the newly elected government in the province vows to review it independently.
In a recent election, Tony Wakeham’s Progressive Conservative Party won power in Newfoundland and Labrador, ending the reign of the Liberals after a decade.
Wakeham has raised concerns about the tentative energy agreement between Hydro-Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro involving Labrador’s energy production.
Following his victory, Wakeham announced that the draft agreement will undergo scrutiny by impartial experts, aligning with a public inquiry recommendation.
Legault congratulated Wakeham on social media the day after his election, emphasizing his confidence in the mutual benefits of the Labrador energy development agreement for both provinces.
The initial agreement, declared in December 2024, outlines increased payments from Hydro-Québec for electricity from the Churchill Falls station and plans for new hydro projects in the region.
Wakeham has pledged to conduct a thorough independent review of the agreement to ensure it serves Newfoundland and Labrador’s best interests, promising to seek public approval through a referendum if necessary.
The agreement, inked by former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey, has the potential to bring $225 billion to the province over five decades, according to estimates from John Hogan, Furey’s successor.
Hogan urges Wakeham to persist in negotiations, presenting the agreement as crucial for the province’s future prosperity.
Legault, who considers the agreement a significant achievement, aims to finalize the deal with Newfoundland and Labrador by April 2026.
