ST. JOHN'S -- How can Newfoundlanders and Labradorians be sure that a proposed new energy agreement with Hydro-Quebec is a good one?
The question has dogged the Newfoundland and Labrador Liberals since the draft deal was revealed in December, and it was a top question asked in Wednesday night's leaders debate, ahead of the Oct. 14 election.
Liberal Leader and incumbent premier John Hogan insisted the deal is the "backbone for an amazing opportunity for this province, the likes of which we haven't seen and we will never see again."
Hogan promised to bring any final agreements to the legislature and to allow Liberal members to vote on them freely as individuals, rather than as members toeing a party line.
Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham said he would ensure the hydroelectric projects outlined in the tentative agreement get built, but that any deal he negotiates will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts before it is signed.
"I don't understand why Mr. Hogan is afraid to do that," Wakeham said. "Is he afraid of Quebec?"
Hogan was quick to fire back, asking how and when Wakeham would see those developments through.
"We have an opportunity now, with partners in Quebec," Hogan said.
The memorandum of understanding would see Hydro-Quebec pay much more for power from the Churchill Falls plant in Labrador and lead new developments along the Churchill River. It also would also end a contract signed in 1969 that has allowed Hydro-Quebec to buy the majority of the power from Churchill Falls at rock-bottom prices.
The deal has long been a source of bitterness and distrust of Hydro-Quebec in Newfoundland and Labrador. As of 2019, the partnership had yielded close to $28 billion in profits for Quebec, and about $2 billion for Newfoundland and Labrador.
The leaders also duked it out over health care and the cost of living, with Wakeham joining NDP Leader Jim Dinn in criticizing the Liberals for not signing on to the federal pharmacare program.
This is the first election for Wakeham, Hogan and Dinn as leaders of their parties.
The Liberals held 19 of 40 seats when the election was called last month, and the Progressive Conservatives held 14. The NDP held one seat alongside two Independents. Four seats were vacant.
Oct. 14 is the third time this year Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will head to the polls, after a federal election in April and municipal elections also this month.
This report by was first published Oct. 8, 2025.