Quebec-NL Hydro Draft Deal Expires, Talks to Continue

A draft hydroelectric power agreement between Quebec's Hydro-Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro expired on April 30, 2026, but leaders from both provinces indicated a commitment to ongoing negotiations.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham received a review report that evening from a panel he appointed to assess the tentative deal, which had been announced by the province's former Liberal government in 2024. Wakeham told reporters he plans to use the findings to pursue the best possible terms for his province. The premier had emphasized last week that securing an optimal arrangement outweighs the deadline.

The proposed deal called for Hydro-Québec to pay higher rates for electricity from the Churchill Falls generating plant in Labrador and to potentially lead expansions along the Churchill River to increase capacity. Although the agreement technically lapsed without an extension or final signatures from the utilities, a Hydro-Québec spokesperson stated there is no barrier to continuing discussions.

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette voiced optimism about the partnership during an official visit to Washington, D.C., on April 28. "I hope that the review will...