Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec to announce energy deal

The governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec are expected to make a major energy and economic development announcement in St. John’s on Monday. The announcement follows reports that the two provinces have reached an agreement regarding the Churchill River energy resources.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham and Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette are scheduled to appear alongside Quebec Energy Minister Bernard Drainville and Hydro-Québec President and CEO Claudine Bouchard. While reports suggest a deal has been struck, Premier Wakeham’s office stated that no final agreements have been signed as of recent communications, though significant progress has been made in replacing the 2024 MOU.

The negotiations aim to reshape the long-standing relationship regarding the Churchill Falls generating station. The original 1969 contract, which provides Quebec access to much of the power at below-market rates, is set to expire in 2041. In Quebec, opposition leaders have called for transparency regarding the agreement's details ahead of upcoming provincial elections.