PCs walk before vote, but Churchill Falls MOU gets support of most MHAs following four-day debate

Four days of extraordinary debate in the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature concluded in dramatic fashion Thursday night with most politicians voting in favour of the Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding.

In doing so, they also gave the green light for further negotiations with Hydro-Quebec in an effort to reach formal contracts for new long-term energy deals on the Churchill River.

Despite the 14 members of the PC caucus dramatically walking out of the legislature as the vote was taking place due to concerns over the level of independent oversight of the non-binding MOU, the motion passed 25-0 with 21 Liberals, two NDP, and two independent members supporting the motion. As speaker, Liberal Derek Bennett did not vote.

PC Leader Tony Wakeham defended his party's decision to abstain, saying they could not support the motion because the MOU had not undergone sufficient independent review.

"We're not against the MOU. What we are is for making sure we get the best deal possible for Newfoundland and Labrador," Wakeham, flanked by his entire caucus, told reporters after the vote.

Energy Minister Andrew Parsons ridiculed the PCs, calling their decision to abstain "a coward's move."

He called the decision disrespectful to the legislature and the constituents represented by the PC MHAs.

"I would be appalled to be a part of that," said Andrews.

The vote marked the conclusion of a unique session of the legislature, with politicians questioning top officials from N.L. Hydro and expert consultants from two international firms who advised Hydro's negotiating team in the lead-up to the MOU, which was signed on Dec. 12.

MHAs were told by negotiators like N.L. Hydro CEO Jennifer Williams that the MOU sets the stage for the best possible deal with Hydro-Quebec, rights an historic injustice by reopening 16 years early what's been described as one of the worst business deals in Canadian history, and offers guardrails to ensure the mistakes of previous deals are not repeated.

In her concluding remarks, Williams gave a long list of reasons why the MOU should be supported, and in her final point said "this is the best deal."

Premier Andrew Furey called it a "massive economic opportunity" that will deliver an estimated $227 billion to the provincial treasury over the next 50 to 60 years.

"Take this moment in. This will start potentially the most significant transaction in our history since Confederation," said Furey.

"This is an amazing opportunity for all of us to share in," Liberal MHA and Justice Minister Bernard Davis said ahead of the vote.