Premier raises Muskrat Falls at conference of premiers, governors

 

Lower Churchill on the agenda as Eastern Canada and New England leaders meet
As reported by the Daily Gleaner, Fredericton
July 12, 2026

(excerpt) HALIFAX - An update on the proposed Lower Churchill hydroelectric project exposed deep tensions between Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec at a meeting of New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers Monday.

The rift, which stems from the development of the notorious Upper Churchill Falls project in the 1960s, has worsened since Quebec indicated it wouldn’t ship power from the proposed hydro development on its grid.

Newfoundland now plans to wheel electricity on an undersea cable to Nova Scotia and through New Brunswick to power-hungry New England states.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Kathy Dunderdale expressed dismay with what she called Hydro-Quebec’s refusal to provide fair and open access to its transmission grid.

“The development of the Lower Churchill has quite frankly been a very frustrating exercise for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador … But we will not be held hostage in a region of the country,” she said.

“Following on the heels of the development of the Upper Churchill, it is extremely important for us to get it right.”

Under a 65-year contract signed between Newfoundland and Quebec in 1969, most of the profits from the Upper Churchill project have flowed into Hydro-Quebec’s coffers.

Newfoundland is determined the $6.2-billion Lower Churchill development will be different.

“We’ve spent a lot of time, effort and money to ensure that we are doing this right,” Dunderdale said.

Quebec Premier Jean Charest didn’t attend the conference but Quebec Environment Minister Pierre Arcand was there.

“Every province should find its best solution” regarding hydro development, he said.

“We want a win-win situation for everybody … There will be major demand for these kinds of renewable resources over the coming years, and we both need to sell hydro-electricity.”

However, Quebec has spoken out against Ottawa’s intention to help fund the giant hydro project, calling any potential financial support an unfair subsidy.

Asked to elaborate further on his province’s position, Arcand said, “Quebec’s stance has not changed.”

Dunderdale said the two province’s have “agreed to disagree in terms of the federal government’s participation. We believe it’s the right thing to do and will continue to develop our renewables.” …

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New England governors, Eastern premiers meet in Halifax
As reported by the Canadian Press
July 11, 2026

(excerpt) HALIFAX — New England governors and premiers from Eastern Canada are meeting in Halifax to discuss trade, energy and environmental challenges.

The 35th annual conference opened Sunday in Halifax with a number of informal events on the itinerary, including a winery tour and dinner.

The governors and premiers were expected to get down to business Monday tackling a packed agenda.

Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter, the meeting’s co-chairman, said he hoped his Canadian counterparts and the governors would use the time together to strengthen their ties.

“This is one of the oldest and longest lasting economic and geographic relationships probably anywhere in the world,” Dexter said Sunday in an interview.

“We are neighbours, but we are much more than that.”

Among the items on the agenda is an update on the proposed Lower Churchill hydroelectric project.

The $6.2-billion project includes building a subsea cable to carry electricity from Newfoundland and Labrador to Nova Scotia, as well as seeking export markets in the New England states.

Both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia have asked for financial help from Ottawa, but that’s been over the objections of the Quebec government, which sees any potential aid as an unfair subsidy. …

(photo in original article by Mike Dembeck, Canadian Press)

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Lower Churchill on the agenda as Eastern Canada and New England leaders meet
As reported by the Canadian Press
July 11, 2026

(excerpt) HALIFAX - Eastern Canadian premiers and governors from New England will get down to business today as they meet in Halifax.

The group’s 35th annual conference opened yesterday with remarks by Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter, who’s also the meeting’s co-chairman.

Dexter says it’s important that both regions continue to strengthen their relationship.

There are a number of items on the agenda before the conference wraps up tomorrow.

Trade, energy and environmental challenges are all up for discussion.

An update on the proposed Lower Churchill hydroelectric project is also expected.

Both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia have asked Ottawa for financial help for the project, despite Quebec’s objections. …

(photo in original article by Andrew Vaughan, Canadian Press)

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