Quebec Reaffirms Commitment to NL Energy Deal Near Expiry

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette stated Friday that her province remains committed to a framework energy agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador, even as the tentative deal approaches its expiration date on Thursday.

Speaking in Rivière-du-Loup, Fréchette expressed confidence in the proposed arrangement for sharing energy from the Churchill River in Labrador, describing it as beneficial for both provinces. She indicated she is awaiting the next step from Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham.

Wakeham received a report late Thursday from an independent panel he commissioned to review the draft agreement. He is scheduled to provide comments on the findings today. The review stems from Wakeham's decision to scrutinize the deal shortly after his Progressive Conservative government took office last fall.

The framework was initially unveiled in St. John's in 2024 under Newfoundland and Labrador's previous Liberal administration. Wakeham had called for the examination soon after assuming power, citing the need to assess its terms.

Fréchette emphasized that Quebec views itself as still bound by the agreement's provisions, signaling a willingness to proceed pending Wakeham's...