Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Says Energy Deal with Quebec Won't Be Renegotiated

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham told reporters on Wednesday that the province will not renegotiate the non-binding agreement with Quebec to develop hydroelectric capacity on the Churchill River. He said the government had already voted in favour of the proposal, which was announced in August alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney and former Quebec premier Christine Fréchette in St. John’s.

"Let me be clear: we will not be renegotiating the deal, and will not entertain an attempt by anyone else wishing to renegotiate the deal," Wakeham said.

The agreement, described by the province as a definitive co-operation and implementation agreement, outlines plans for Hydro-Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to expand hydroelectric facilities on the river, which runs through traditional Innu territory. Carney has called the project "the largest clean energy investment in North American history" and the federal government has pledged $10 billion in financing.

In a Facebook post, the grand chief of the Innu Nation in Labrador, Jodie Ashini, said the Innu were not consulted during negotiations and criticized the provincial government for a lack of respect. She urged officials to meet with the Innu community in Sheshatshiu.

Wakeham indicated that all final energy agreements will be tabled in the provincial legislature and a special debate will be scheduled, but he declined to confirm whether any agreements have already been signed. He noted that the new Parti Québécois government in Quebec, led by Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, has not yet raised any requests for changes, and he expects a meeting with the Quebec premier soon.

The Parti Québécois did not immediately respond to a request for comment.