Churchill Falls Deal Returns to N.L. Legislature as Debate Continues

The completed Churchill Falls agreements will be presented to the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature for a second round of debate, according to VOCM. The report, published Tuesday, follows an earlier discussion of the energy arrangement in the province's house.

The deal has drawn sharp criticism. Global News reports that opponents have attacked the Newfoundland and Quebec power agreement, and that an MLA left their party during the debate. CP24 also reports that a Newfoundland and Labrador Tory departed the party as discussion of the Quebec energy deal got underway.

Premier Andrew Furey's government, meanwhile, has framed the first debate as a success. VOCM reports the Premier described yesterday's debate as "exactly" what the government had wanted.

The conversation has also widened beyond the existing hydro arrangement. CBC reports that talk at a special session on the Churchill River turned to the possible role of Labrador wind power.

churchill falls

The agreements concern the long-standing Churchill Falls hydroelectric relationship between the two provinces, which has been a recurring point of contention in Newfoundland and Labrador.

What to watch next: when the legislature reconvenes to debate the definitive agreements, and whether the opposition and departing MLA shift the balance of the discussion.