St. John’s, NL (May 27, 2025) – Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador Leader Tony Wakeham today called on the provincial government to pause any plans to lock in a long-term hydroelectric agreement with Quebec. 

“The message from the recent federal election was clear: both of the country’s major party leaders now support the creation of a national energy corridor,” said Wakeham. “This is a game-changing development that could give Newfoundland and Labrador new opportunities to distribute our hydroelectric power across Canada without being bound to any one province.”

Wakeham cautioned that prematurely signing a decades-long agreement with Quebec now could severely limit the province’s flexibility at a critical time.

“For too long, we’ve been forced to negotiate from a position of weakness. Now, for the first time in a generation, we have the chance to take control of our energy future. We must not tie the province’s hands with a long-term deal that could prevent us from fully benefiting from a national corridor.”

“We owe it to the people of this province to pursue the best possible deal—not just for today, but for future generations,” Wakeham added. “Our hydro resources are a strategic advantage.  Let’s not lock them into outdated frameworks when new national solutions are finally on the table thanks to this new ‘Team Canada’.”

In the most recent episode of NTV’s Issues and Answers, Premier Hogan admitted that even though he had spoken with Prime Minister Carney and Premier Legault, he had not raised the issue of a national electricity transmission project.

A joint communiqué issued by the premiers and federal government just prior to the recent federal election captured what amounts to an unprecedented agreement. Specifically, the Premiers and federal government agreed to the following:

“First ministers confirmed that a national trade corridor that connects the country from coast to coast to coast – to transport and export oil, gas, agricultural products, electricity, critical minerals, and other commodities – is a shared priority and is essential to support Canadian sovereignty and economic well-being.”

Wakeham called on Premier John Hogan’s government to pause any ongoing negotiations with Quebec until the federal government outlines its energy corridor strategy and the full range of options for Newfoundland and Labrador becomes clear.

“Premier Hogan can stand up for our province when he attends the First Ministers’ Meeting next week in Saskatchewan,” concluded Wakeham. “This is a chance for him to put this exclusive deal with Quebec on the backburner and be a part of discussions with all the other Premiers and the Prime Minister about national electricity projects.”