'The sooner the better' for Churchill Falls projects, Hogan says after meeting with PM
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan says the Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding holds up, but federal assistance would be "great."
Hogan was in Saskatoon on Monday for the first ministers' meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Nation-building infrastructure projects are on the minds of many, and Carney has said he intends to fast-track them.
The Canadian Press reported last week that Quebec Premier François Legault is expected to ask the federal government to help fund transmission lines that will connect Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec to power generated by projects along the Churchill River.
A draft agreement signed in December says a new deal would cost Hydro-Quebec at least $33.8 billion.
Hogan confirmed that he and Legault have been discussing that idea as he spoke to reporters before Monday's conference.
"We're happy to talk about that and any assistance that can benefit Newfoundland and Labrador, our ratepayers and our taxpayers," he said. "But it is important to continue with the MOU. I want Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to know we're not taking our eye off that project right now."
Hydro-Quebec will construct the required transmission in its province, and N.L. Hydro is set to construct about 340 kilometres of transmission lines in Labrador, according to a fact sheet from the provincial government.
Whether or not the federal government pitches in to build those lines, Hogan says Newfoundland and Labrador is in good hands.
"If there can be further assistance and further discussion to make the project better, great. But if not, the project is a good project," said Hogan.
The Newfoundland and Labrador government says the proposed Churchill Falls deal will see the province earn $1 billion every year for the next 17 years.
Newly minted Energy Minister Steve Crocker says the province has an important seat at the table when it comes to providing green energy.
"Any investment in Churchill Falls would not only benefit Quebec, but it'd benefit Newfoundland and Labrador as well," said Crocker, speaking from the Energy NL conference Monday.
The minister didn't say that the province is specifically asking for the federal government to finance the transmission lines, but said Newfoundland and Labrador is working with them to ensure its resources "will contribute greatly to nation building in Canada."
In a news conference after the first ministers' meeting, Legault told reporters that he thinks the new Churchill Falls deal, and the proposed Gull Island generating station, is a project of national interest.
Carney, speaking in French, said he fully agrees with the Quebec premier.
The governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec plan to sign binding agreements by April 2026.
The prime minister said the premiers and territorial leaders discussed several projects and the federal government will assess whether they can be fast-tracked over the next few months.
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