Opposition parties voice frustration over upcoming debate on Churchill Falls

Elected officials won't return to the House of Assembly until Monday to debate the tentative deal between Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec on Churchill Falls hydroelectricity, but NDP Leader Jim Dinn and government House leader John Hogan are already butting heads.

Dinn says the governing Liberals aren't giving opposition parties enough time to review the memorandum of understanding (MOU) announced by Premier Andrew Furey and Quebec Premier François Legault at a news conference in St. John's on Dec. 12.

"I wish I had more time rather than three weeks to try and figure this out over Christmas when it's hard to get a hold of the people you need to talk to," Dinn told Radio-Canada on Monday, adding it's unnecessary for government to rush the process since a signed deal won't be finalized until 2026.

Dinn blames the quick turnaround on a looming provincial election. The next sitting of the House of Assembly is in March.

"There's no rush to this, whether it's delayed by a month or two months. To me, if it's about actually informing the public and making sure everyone's on side, then yes, you could delay this," Dinn said.

"Leading into an election or whatever else, I really don't know.… I can see why they want to have the short time frame."

In a statement to Radio-Canada, PC Opposition House leader Barry Petten said a "disappointing" meeting between all parties took place earlier on Monday.

"The Liberals said that regardless of the discussion, the MOU will not be changed. They also refused to confirm if the premier or any government ministers would take questions," said Petten. 

"We need to know that this isn't just another giveaway to Quebec. That requires Premier Furey to be accountable and transparent with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

During the initial announcement earlier this month, Furey said the deal means $200 billion for each province over the next 50 years, with an expansion coming for the Churchill Falls hydroelectric plant and development of Gull Island, one of the last undeveloped hydroelectric projects in North America. 

An agreement between all parties on the MOU is expected by Jan. 9 — less than one month after the initial announcement and a busy holiday season.

'Not a public inquiry'

Hogan sent a letter to opposition leaders a week ago, outlining the rules and timeline of the MOU's debate.

The procedures include doubling the allocated speaking time for MHA's and party leaders and welcoming non-members to the House floor for questions.

Only non-members invited by the Liberals will be allowed in the House of Assembly.

Dinn says the NDP would like to invite their own experts.

Hogan said the debate is meant to educate members and the public on the details of the deal and its short and long-term impacts.

"It's not a public inquiry. It's an education debate here to talk about the terms, the finalization and the structure of the MOU," he said.

The debate starts on Monday and concludes three days later. Only business related to the MOU will be discussed during this time in the legislature. 

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