It's Churchill All Over Again
The original 1969 Churchill Falls contract was notoriously one-sided; it provides Québec with extremely cheap power at Newfoundland and Labrador's expense. Are we making the same mistake again?
The Song
To help spark thoughtful conversation about the Churchill Falls MOU, we’re debuting a new song: The Old Churchill Deal and the New MOU. This original piece brings the issues to life through music, offering a fresh and engaging way to reflect on the most important agreement shaping our province’s future.
Newfoundland and Labrador has a long and complex history with Churchill Falls. As discussions about the new MOU continue, it’s more important than ever that we understand the stakes, share perspectives, and get answers to questions. This song was created to encourage exactly that — awareness, dialogue, and deeper reflection on what’s being proposed and how it will affect generations to come.
We invite you to listen, share the song with others, and be part of the conversation.
The Old Churchill Deal and the New MOU is available now on YouTube.
Is The Current MOU the Best Deal?
The Churchill Falls MOU was announced without meaningful public disclosure or engagement, independent analysis, or full debate in the House of Assembly. Before moving forward, the province should take the time to commission an independent public review of the agreement’s impacts—we need to ensure any deal truly serves the best interests of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Most Lopsided Deal of This Century
This page offers a comprehensive look into the Churchill Falls Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Québec. Our goal is to provide clear, factual information and critical analysis of this significant agreement, ensuring a well-informed understanding of its long-term implications for our province's future and economic landscape. We present key insights and concerns that define the ongoing discussion surrounding this pivotal deal.
Same Deal
This new 51-year deal for Churchill Falls mirrors the original, highly criticized 1969 agreement. It continues to give Hydro-Québec massive price discounts, preventing Newfoundland & Labrador from earning billions more if power were sold at market rates. It's essentially the same old story, just longer.
Risky Projects
New projects like Gull Island and Churchill Falls 2 expose Newfoundland & Labrador to significant financial risk and investment, yet we receive a disproportionately small share of the power generated. Hydro-Québec locks in favourable, low rates for another fifty-year term while our province shoulders most of the burden for limited benefit.
No Transparency
The MOU was pushed through without public discussion, independent scrutiny, or environmental assessments. There’s a concerning lack of transparency and a failure to properly debate the long-term impacts, leaving many questions unanswered about the true benefits for our province.
Fiscal Mismanagement
The financial structure of the MOU, particularly the advanced funds from Hydro-Québec in the period to 2041, uses future resource value to cover present spending, thereby diminishing future generations' ability to pay. This move is fiscally irresponsible and jeopardizes Newfoundland & Labrador's long-term financial stability. All the funds advanced in this period are repaid through lower rates for energy in subsequent years after 2041.
VOCM Open Line - Mike Wilson - October 7, 2025
Former Independent Oversight Panel member Mike Wilson appeared on VOCM's Open Line with host Paddy Daly in his first media appearance since resigning from the panel. He explained his concerns about the Churchill Falls MOU from a pricing and finance perspective, arguing that giving Hydro-Québec a forty percent perpetual interest in Gull Island repeats the mistake of 1969, that selling Churchill Falls power at 2.7 cents when replacement cost is 13-16 cents is unacceptable, and that fixed returns on new developments will depreciate significantly over time without inflation indexing. Wilson also criticized the lack of transparency from NL Hydro, called the MOU "a disaster for the province," and warned that the public is being asked to vote without proper information.
Issues & Answers - Bern Coffey - August 31, 2025
Lawyer Bern Coffey appeared on NTV’s Issues & Answers to share his concerns about the Churchill Falls MOU. He argued the province has not explored other potential partners, warned that Churchill Falls power will outlast any political leader, and urged Newfoundland and Labrador to slow down and carefully consider the long-term impacts of the deal. Coffey also called for the resignation of the NL Hydro Board of Directors.
Issues & Answers - Gabe Gregory - August 3, 2025
Gabe Gregory appeared on NTV’s Issues & Answers to discuss his original song, The Old Churchill Deal and the New MOU, and the broader concerns surrounding the proposed Memorandum of Understanding. In his conversation with host Michael Connors, Gregory explained how the song was created to spark public awareness and reflection about the long-term implications of the deal, drawing parallels to the original Churchill Falls agreement. The interview explored the motivation behind the project, the risks of repeating historical mistakes, and why greater transparency and public engagement are essential as Newfoundland and Labrador considers its energy future.
The GNL has an overwhelming responsibility to ensure the definitive agreements maximize the benefits and capture the full value of the Churchill River for future generations.
Michael J. Wilson, CA, FCA
Former Independent Churchill River Oversight Panel Member
Dive Deeper: Let's Unpack the MOU
To provide a deeper understanding of the Churchill Falls Memorandum of Understanding, this video features an in-depth economic analysis by Gabe Gregory. Mr. Gregory dissects the intricate details and financial implications of the new MOU, offering critical insights into its potential long-term effects on Newfoundland and Labrador's fiscal well-being. This presentation aims to contribute to a well-informed public discussion surrounding this pivotal agreement.
In The News
August 27, 2025
Economist and former Public Utilities Board chair David Vardy joined us to share his insights on the Churchill Falls MOU, including its implications for Newfoundland and Labrador and the proposed Gull Island project.
August 1, 2025
The Churchill Falls MOU has sparked concern — and now, a chorus. Business consultant Gabriel Gregory joined CBC Labrador Morning to discuss the story behind his new song and why he believes Newfoundland and Labrador deserves a closer look at what’s being proposed.
July 31, 2025
Former FPI executive Gabe Gregory explains why he chose to commission a music video to oppose the Churchill Falls MOU.
July 31, 2025
Opposition is mounting against the new Churchill Falls deal, but the critics are taking a new approach to get their message out.
A new awareness campaign was launched today, to help educate the public about what some critics say is a repeat of 1969. NTV’s Ben Cleary has more in this report.
July 28, 2025
Former premier Danny Williams told NTV Evening News he has written a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney urging him not to fast-track the Churchill Falls MOU, calling it a bad deal for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Jan 2, 2025
In an interview with NTV News, former NL Hydro CEO Bill Wells warned the Churchill Falls MOU repeats the mistakes of the 1969 contract and transfers enormous wealth from our Province to Quebec.
Jan 2, 2025
Former Premier Brian Peckford, in a news release reported by VOCM News, criticized the Churchill Falls MOU as premature and lacking proper scrutiny, urging the province to seek an expert review before bringing the deal to the Legislature.
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This Deal is Not Done - Your Voice Matters
The Churchill Falls MOU will shape the future of Newfoundland and Labrador for generations. This page offers critical analysis and context to help you understand what’s at stake. We’ve also introduced The Old Churchill Deal and the New MOU to bring the conversation to life through music.
We encourage you to reflect on the information, share the song, and talk with others. By raising awareness, we can help ensure the decisions ahead truly reflect the interests of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.