Churchill Falls project part of 'big things' Canada should focus on, says Hydro-Quebec
There's 'interest and impetus' to strengthen Canada, says N.L. Hydro CEO
As shifting economic and political pressures put a new focus on nation-building projects, the head of Hydro-Quebec says it's time for Canada to step up and get the Churchill Falls project done.
Government and industry officials are looking to develop more hydroelectric capacity on the Churchill River, which includes developing Gull Island, first announced in December.
Hydro-Quebec CEO Michael Sabia says if the memorandum of understanding between both provinces was important when it was first announced six months ago, it has taken on greater significance across the country since.
"Let's be very clear, Canada is under threat. This is a time of real, economic and political uncertainty. It's a time when Canadians need to work together to build a future," Sabia told a room of industry professionals on Tuesday during Energy N.L.'s annual conference.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he intends to fast-track nation-building infrastructure projects, and Premier John Hogan says he raised Churchill Falls during the first ministers' meeting in Saskatoon this week.
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro CEO Jennifer Williams reiterated how high the stakes really are.
"What's at stake is the ability to make us a much stronger country. And if you think 'country first'— great. Even if you think 'province first,' a much stronger country still benefits us all," Williams told reporters.
On a national level, Williams said there is an "interest and impetus" to make Canada a stronger country, and the Churchill Falls megaproject has a role to play. Other jurisdictions across the country are lobbying their own projects, she warned.
"So if we pause, if we hesitate, if we sputter, we're not going to be able to grab on to that," said Williams.
"Something this momentous may not come again for a very long time. And who will we have to blame?"
Sabia said current political tension with the United States, and Canada's economy, is why it is important for Churchill River projects to continue moving forward.
"There are those who think Canada can't do big things. And it's time to show those people are wrong. And a number of those people are in the United States," he said.
"And it's time for Canada to step up and demonstrate that big things — they are what we do."
He says the Churchill River project is one of those "big things."
'Turned the corner'
During the conference, which runs until Friday in St. John's, Sabia, Williams and Energy N.L. CEO Charlene Johnson spoke about the development of the MOU between Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec, and the differences each team has to overcome.
Williams, gesturing to Sabia on stage, called him an "unlikely partner" given the relationship between the two provinces.
"We have turned the corner with Hydro-Quebec and this MOU is good for both provinces. We're working closely to get this whole opportunity in place. This is not 1969," she said.
Sabia also spoke to the frustration Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have felt toward what has been considered a lop-sided and unfair agreement signed decades ago.
The new deal will be balanced and benefit both provinces, he said.
Sabia says the Churchill River is the type of project that will help both province's economies withstand tariffs and economic uncertainty.
"As a sovereign country we ought to be doing these things that demonstrate — in particular to the United States — our ability to set foundations for a resilient, prosperous and autonomous economy going forward," he said.
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