US EditionIf Newfoundland asks for changes to energy deal, so will Quebec, says minister
Quebec warns that Newfoundland and Labrador's planned independent review and referendum on the energy deal could trigger reciprocal demands, risking the early contract termination.
- On Nov. 17, 2025, Quebec's energy minister Christine Fréchette warned Quebec will make new requests if Newfoundland and Labrador presses changes to a draft interprovincial energy deal, and she met Premier Tony Wakeham in St. John's to discuss the draft.
- The arrangement, negotiated under Newfoundland and Labrador's previous Liberal government that fell on October 14, would raise Hydro‑Québec's rate for Churchill Falls power and end the contract 16 years early.
- Hydro‑Québec's leadership says the proposed agreement is commercial and benefits both provinces, with chief executive Claudine Bouchard chuckling at whether it will proceed and confident it will be finalized despite political moves.
- The Oct. 14 election left the agreement's fate uncertain, and Wakeham has pledged an independent third‑party review and a referendum on the final agreement, risking reciprocal demands between provinces.
- Quebec argues the draft strikes `an interesting balance` and contains elements Newfoundland and Labrador might view as win‑win, but if reciprocal requests follow, Wakeham's review and referendum plan could reshape long‑term hydro relations and payments.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Will Newfoundland energy deal be finalized? 'Good question,' says Hydro-Québec chief
MONTREAL — Hydro-Québec's chief executive says she is confident a draft energy deal with Newfoundland and Labrador will be finalized, despite political moves in the eastern province that leave the agreement on shaky ground.
Will Newfoundland energy deal be finalized? 'Good question,' says Hydro-Québec chief
MONTREAL — Hydro-Québec's chief executive says she is confident a draft energy deal with Newfoundland and Labrador will be finalized, despite political moves in the eastern province that leave the agreement on shaky ground.
Will Newfoundland energy deal be finalized? 'Good question,' says Hydro-Québec chief
MONTREAL — Hydro-Québec's chief executive says she is confident a draft energy deal with Newfoundland and Labrador will be finalized, despite political moves in the eastern province that leave the agreement on shaky ground.
Will Newfoundland energy deal be finalized? 'Good question,' says Hydro-Québec chief
MONTREAL — Hydro-Québec's chief executive says she is confident a draft energy deal with Newfoundland and Labrador will be finalized, despite political moves in the eastern province that leave the agreement on shaky ground.
Will Newfoundland energy deal be finalized? 'Good question,' says Hydro-Québec chief
MONTREAL — Hydro-Québec's chief executive says she is confident a draft energy deal with Newfoundland and Labrador will be finalized, despite political moves in the eastern province that leave the agreement on shaky ground.
Will Newfoundland energy deal be finalized? 'Good question,' says Hydro-Québec chief
MONTREAL — Hydro-Québec's chief executive says she is confident a draft energy deal with Newfoundland and Labrador will be finalized, despite political moves in the eastern province that leave the agreement on shaky ground.
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