Premier of Quebec to visit Newfoundland and Labrador for Churchill Falls discussions.

On Thursday, Quebec Premier François Legault will be travelling to Newfoundland and Labrador for two days of talks on a new Churchill Falls hydroelectricity deal. Legault made this announcement during question period at the Quebec City legislature. The 1969 agreement between the two provinces allows Hydro-Québec to purchase the majority of the electricity generated at the station in central Labrador and thus reap most of the profits. As of 2019, Quebec has earned close to $28 billion in profits while Newfoundland and Labrador has only earned $2 billion. Legault has made the renewal of the deal a key part of his energy strategy to reduce emissions and meet the province’s increasing electricity needs. Newfoundland and Labrador has established a panel to prepare for the negotiations and explore ways in which the province can benefit when the current agreement ends in 2041. The panel’s recommendations to the provincial government include negotiating a new arrangement for sales to Hydro-Québec. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey tweeted that there is much potential to work with Quebec and meet future energy demands. He stated that his team will ensure the best possible value from the province’s energy assets.