The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a key addition to the negotiating team responsible for implementing the province’s new and better Churchill Falls and Gull Island agreement, along with next steps to finalize the agreements and bring them before the House of Assembly.
Joined by the Honourable Lloyd Parrott, Minister of Energy and Mines, Premier Wakeham announced that Barry Perry will transition from his role as lead negotiator to Special Advisor to the Provincial Government.
The planned transition reflects the progression from negotiating the historic agreement to completing the technical and legal work necessary for implementation.
Mr. Perry has played an instrumental role in securing the new agreement, which delivers more power, more transmission and greater financial benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador. His experience and expertise will continue to support the province as work advances.
Gary Smith, former Executive Vice-President of Operations and Technology at Fortis Inc. and former President and CEO of Newfoundland Power, will assume the role of lead negotiator and oversee completion of the technical and legal agreements necessary to implement the commitments reached with Quebec and the Government of Canada in August.
Mr. Smith brings more than four decades of experience in the electricity sector, including extensive leadership in utility operations, infrastructure development and energy management.
The Provincial Government also confirmed that, once completed, the definitive agreements will be tabled in the House of Assembly. Technical briefings will be provided to Members, and government will propose a special debate to allow Members to examine and speak to the completed agreements.
The three members of the Oversight Committee have confirmed they will continue in their roles. In addition, the Provincial Government is also reviewing recommendations from the Chair of the Public Utilities Board regarding additional membership on the Oversight Committee. Engagement with Innu leadership and Labrador communities will continue as the projects advance.
The new and better agreement is expected to deliver 760 megawatts more power than the previous memorandum of understanding, secure 985 megawatts of guaranteed transmission portfolio and market pricing access to markets beyond Quebec and provide an estimated $273 billion in total nominal value over its lifetime.
Quotes
“Barry Perry has provided exceptional leadership and service to Newfoundland and Labrador. His experience, judgment and dedication were instrumental in securing a historic agreement that will benefit our province for generations. I am grateful that Barry will continue to provide his expertise as Special Advisor. I also want to welcome Gary Smith as he leads the next phase of this important work.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“We have secured an agreement that fundamentally changes the future of Churchill Falls and Gull Island for the benefit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. With Gary Smith leading the next phase, our focus is on completing the technical and legal work necessary to deliver on those commitments. We have a strong team, a clear mandate and an agreement that will unlock tremendous opportunities for our province. We are committed to getting this work done and ensuring Newfoundland and Labrador receives the full benefits of its resources.”
Honourable Lloyd Parrott
Minister of Energy and Mines
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