Newfoundland and Labrador energy deal with Quebec under scrutiny as debate opens [Video]

Newfoundland and Labrador politicians are digging into the details of the province’s draft energy deal with Quebec as four days of debate begin today in St. John’s, N.L.

The province’s Liberal government opened the legislature this week for an “extraordinary sitting” in order to examine the memorandum of understanding announced on Dec. 12.

Opposition Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham began by saying it was “outrageous” that the debate is happening without the benefit of a review of the agreement by independent experts.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro officials have said independent firms provided advice during the negotiation process, and Premier Andrew Furey assured the legislature today that a panel of independent experts will oversee negotiations of a final agreement.

The tentative arrangement would see Hydro-Québec pay significantly more for electricity from the Churchill Falls hydroelectric plant in Labrador, while developing additional projects with the provincial utility.

It ends a 1969 contract …