In 2019, Hydro Quebec made 28 billion from Churhcill Falls while NL received $2 billion.
A deal that was signed in 1969 is not set to expire until 2041, but today, people will get a chance to hear what the new deal will be for the Upper Churchill contract. Talks between both provinces broke down in 1964 and in the May5th, 1965 edition of the Globe and Mail, Quebec Premier Jean Lesage is quoted as saying, “ The absolute first condition since the beginning of negotiations, and this has not changed, is that hydro Quebec shall become the owner of all electricity that travels through the province of Quebec, at its entry point into the province of Quebec. We will negotiate on no other ground than this.” Over the years, it became a contentious issue for then NL Premier Joey Smallwood. The three stumbling blocks were the boundary, ownership of the then Churchill Falls Labrador Corporation, and the sale of power from the dam to Quebec. Hydro Quebec buys 85 percent of what is produced at Churchill Falls at a cost of just 0.2 cents a megawatt. Today, rate payers in this province spend over 3 cents for each megawatt wit the surge in electricity costs. According to an article in LaPresse yesterday, “The Churchill Falls contract is extremely profitable for Hydro-Québec, which gets a lot of energy at a ridiculous price. Quebec still has a great need for this energy. François Legault wants to develop a new hydroelectric dam project in Labrador – the Gull Island project, a 2,250 MW structure.” In 2019, Hydro Quebec made 28 billion from Churhcill Falls while NL received $2 billion. Bayfm will broadcast today’s announcement starting 2 p.m.
Young people in western NL now have better local access to services for mental health, primary care, housing, employment, and community support. Becket Western NL, a new Integrated Youth Services (IYS) hub, has officially opened.
Bay St. George RCMP is looking for security camera footage after a break in at Lourdes Superette.
The first day of spring has come and gone, and with the extended winter weather, means motorists can keep their studded tires on a little longer.
Tip of a possible impaired driver
Channel-Port aux Basques RCMP and Traffic Services West took three vehicles off the road and laid charges during a traffic initiative late last week.
