St. John’s, N.L. (December 16, 2024) – Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, today emphasized the importance of all-party collaboration in the special debate in the House of Assembly on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hydro-Quebec concerning the Churchill River.

In a letter to Premier Andrew Furey, Wakeham has requested a committee be formed comprising of a representative from each political party as well as an independent members’ representative to determine the rules and process for the MOU debate. The committee would ensure that members of the House of Assembly can effectively hear from and question independent expert witnesses, as well as those who negotiated the agreement.

“It is important that all parties have input into how the House of Assembly session will be conducted for this important debate,” said Wakeham. “The people of this province deserve to know that the Churchill River MOU is in their best interests. If the Premier has every confidence in this agreement, like he says he does, he should welcome an open and transparent debate. Transparency and accountability are crucial when dealing with matters of such long-term significance for our province.”

Wakeham highlighted the Premier’s own words describing the MOU as transformative and promised a “full and fulsome debate” on the matter. Wakeham stressed by involving both internal and external expertise, the debate can serve to address any outstanding questions, dispel concerns, and ensure that the agreement reflects the best possible outcome for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“A committee of MHAs, regardless of party lines, is needed to set the rules of debate. The format cannot be unilaterally determined by the governing Liberals as this MOU was signed by the Premier and he already ought to have had all his questions answered,” added Wakeham.

In his letter to the Premier, Wakeham expressed hope that he would support the proposal for an all-party committee, given his stated commitment to a thorough deliberation.

“This MOU must be about the next generation, not the next election. I pledge to ensure that the voices of the people are heard in the House of Assembly debate. We should not rush an MOU that will have such a huge impact on our province’s future. We must get this right,” concluded Wakeham.