Newfoundland and Labrador House Votes on Hydro-Québec Power Deal

Members of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly are scheduled to vote by Thursday night on the Definitive Co-operation and Implementation Agreement (DCIA). The proposed deal with Hydro-Québec would replace a 1969 agreement and potentially provide billions of dollars to the province over the next 50 years.

Tony Wakeham, the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, opted for a special legislative sitting and vote instead of a previously promised public referendum. Wakeham defended this shift by citing changing circumstances and threats to Canadian sovereignty. To address criticisms regarding the negotiation process, Wakeham announced he will develop a new oversight plan involving members of the previous oversight committee.

The vote follows a four-day special debate featuring testimony from Dan Levert, chair of the former Churchill River Negotiations Oversight Committee, who stated the DCIA aligned with government strategy. However, Liberal leader John Hogan and NDP leader Jim Dinn criticized the previous process for lacking an independent challenge function and relying on government-retained advisors.

Political alignment for the vote remains divided. The Progressive Conservatives intend to vote as a caucus. The NDP has conditioned its support on an independent review and dialogue with the Innu Nation, while Independent MHA Keith Russell has confirmed he will vote against the deal.