With the special debate in the House of Assembly on the new Churchill Falls agreement coming up next week, NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) sent Premier Tony Wakeham a letter today clearly outlining what must be done for both Dinn and O’Leary to support the deal: independent review by the PUB, a vote on definitive agreements, and approval from the Innu Nation.
Dinn highlights the political rhetoric and messaging continues to skew the publics understanding of the highly complex deal and emphasizes that no deal can be supported without government having a true, independent oversight moving forward – not the one currently in place and chosen by the Premier. In 2024, the NDP, along with the then Opposition PCs, suggested the Public Utilities Board (PUB) as an avenue for true independent and transparent oversight who would report to the public – not just Cabinet.
“The PUB would have the financial resources it needs to engage Manitoba Hydro International, BC Hydro, KPMG, or another top tier energy consultant to answer the question: Is the Definitive Cooperation and Implementation Agreement in the best interest of Newfoundland and Labrador,” Dinn wrote.
“As you indicated in a recent interview, the DCIA is not about politicians; it’s about the future of the people of this province. For me, it’s about my children and grandchildren,” Dinn wrote. “The NDP has striven to see beyond the partisan wrangling that has clouded debate on the Churchill Falls MOU. We expect and demand transparency. If this MOU is as good as it’s being promoted, it will stand up to scrutiny.”
These conditions for support are the same as the NDP brought forward in the January 2025 debate, emphasizing that regardless of who is in government, the requirements for support remain the same.
“Our support of the 2024 MOU was contingent upon an independent review and debate on the final agreement; our support for the 2026 MOU is contingent on a review by the PUB, the engagement of independent experts, and a debate on the final agreement,” Dinn wrote. “Apart from our own conditions, your government must reach out and meaningfully consult with the Innu and have their approval. Without it, any debate in the HOA is meaningless.”
A copy of the letter is attached.