Quebec got 'what they wanted, when they wanted it' in Churchill Falls MOU, Danny Williams says
N.L. leaving money on the table with current deal, former premier says
Former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams is weighing in on the memorandum of understanding for a new Churchill Falls deal, convinced this province could get a better deal from Quebec.
"This has to be on our terms and our time," Williams told CBC. "There's, you know, a lot on the table here. I really think it's important that based on their words that we be very, very vigilant and very cautious about this."
The MOU to reshape the Churchill Falls deal was approved by the House of Assembly Thursday, gaining the support of most politicians, despite a Progressive Conservative walkout. Those involved hope Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec can reach a final deal by April 2026.
The PC's walked out of the legislature during the vote, saying they believe there isn't enough independent oversight of the potential deal, and comments made by Quebec seem to tilt the deal in Quebec's favour.
Williams, a former Tory premier, echoed those sentiments. He cited comments made by Hydro-Quebec Senior Vice-President Dave Rhéaume to La Presse, where he said the MOU is "the same thing as in 1969 at the end of the day."
"That tells me Quebec got what they wanted, when they wanted it, for as long as they wanted it," Williams said.
"At a minimum, we should be saying to Hydro-Quebec 'double your offer, and come back and talk to us. And start at doubling your offer.' And then we'll start negotiating on our terms. But it appears that, you know, we're negotiating on their terms."
Williams said he's concerned with how similar the MOU is to the original 1969 deal — being a long-term deal for a low price. The deal differs from 1969 in its escalator clause, which will increase annual revenue payments to Newfoundland and Labrador.
He also voiced concern over how it will be reviewed. Williams believes consumer advocate Dennis Browne — who will spearhead the review — isn't truly independent, being a long-time Liberal with close ties to the party.
'Thank you for the commentary', energy minister says
Andrew Parsons, Newfoundland and Labrador's minister of energy, fired back at Williams on Monday.
Parsons said Williams' concerns were addressed during four days of debate on the MOU in the House of Assembly, and is confident they'll reach the best deal for the province.
"It's the same old, same old. I mean, what I would suggest to anyone is to go back and read the Hansard ... or go to the website. Or, there's a webinar tonight. Sign up for that. If you have questions and you have concerns, go on and ask them," he said.
Parsons also spoke about Williams' involvement in negotiating the Muskrat Falls megaproject — which became infamous for its years of mishandled development and exorbitant cost.
"[We're] just getting to the point where we finished cleaning that up. And it's frustrating when you've been cleaning something and cleaning something, and the person that made the mess tells you how to hold the mop," Parsons said.
Williams told CBC Monday he tried to avoid a deal with Quebec at the time, but believes Muskrat Falls still has real and long term value.
Asked about Williams' concern that Browne isn't an independent reviewer, Parsons gave a blunt answer after laughing at the question.
"Thank you for the commentary. And we're going to continue on our way."
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With files from Mark Quinn
