Any potential deal on Churchill Falls will be debated, voted on: Furey
Premier Andrew Furey gave a speech to the Empire Club in Toronto on Wednesday, May 1, and one of the topics discussed was the ongoing negotiations over Churchill Falls.
He referred to the negotiations as a “generational opportunity,” but was mum on details when asked by reporters at the Confederation Building on Thursday, May 2.
“I'm not going to negotiate in public,” he said when asked. “I think it weakens Newfoundland and Labrador’s position, but I will say this, we are in an incredibly strong position. This is our resource. It's in great demand. It's in great demand around North America and around the world, frankly. So, while the Quebec government and Hydro Québec may need to do a deal, we will only do a deal that is the best return to the people of the province because this is our resource.”
He said while there may be a degree of urgency on one side, they will only do the best deal for the people of this province, and that deal may not end up being with Quebec.
“If Quebec is not interested
in doing a real deal that is commercially fair, and fully represents the fact that this is our resource, a Newfoundland and Labrador resource, then we'll look at alternatives.”
Furey said he would welcome a full-on debate and a vote on the floor of the legislature about any deal that may come, so the people of the province have a full understanding of any deal that is done regarding Churchill Falls.
“But let me be perfectly clear, that's very premature," he quickly added. "While there is undoubtedly pressure in the Quebec arena when you look at some of the prepared public statements by Michael Sabia, the head of Hydro Québec, they're looking at investing $185 billion over the next few years into green renewable infrastructure within their own province. Let's not forget the Churchill Falls asset as it currently exists is 15 per cent of their firm capacity. So they have a lot of work to do. They're in a constrained position, but consequently it means that we are in a good position as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and I can tell you the days of free electrons are over.”
Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham said he was glad to hear Furey say the issue would be debated and voted on in the House of Assembly, but what the PCS are looking for is complete and open transparency.
Wakeham said once the negotiating teams reach a stage that they have something that can be considered, it has to come back to the province and possibly have another expert panel look at it before it comes to the House of Assembly.
“This is not about political parties, this is about the future of Newfoundland and Labrador,” he said. “It's a tremendous asset. We've all talked about it for years. We continue to talk about it. And now I think it's time that let's be open and transparent about it and make sure that everybody in Newfoundland and Labrador understands it a little bit better than what the premier has alluded to, and certainly have an opportunity to voice their opinion on it.”