If the Churchill Falls MOU is in jeopardy, the finance minister does not appear to be overly concerned.
The Memorandum of Understanding comes to an end today unless it is extended, and the provincial government is expecting the report of a review committee examining whether it is the best deal possible for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
The Opposition fears the deal is dead, but Finance Minister Craig Pardy sounded positive about a future hydro deal with neighbouring Quebec when talking with reporters yesterday.
His understanding is that conversations between the Premier Wakeham and Premier Frechette in Quebec have been positive. “They eagerly await the conversation after the report,” Pardy says of Quebec.
Has the provincial government budgeted specifically for a possible referendum if needed? Minister Pardy says no, but there is funding there, if necessary.
“Keep in mind that we haven’t framed it out yet, the way that’s going to look…but if it ever went by a traditional election” the cost of which would be about $8 million, “then we’ve got it budgeted if ever that was an option, in the forecast.”
