Quebec "canÂ’t veto Atlantic cable project"

Atlantic Power Transmission Funding Dispute highlights Ottawa's review of hydroelectric projects, federal infrastructure funding for a Newfoundland-to-Nova Scotia subsea line, Quebec's opposition, and market access for Lower Churchill power exports via the regional grid.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was non-committal when asked about Quebec's objections to a request for federal money to build a cable under the ocean to move power from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia.

Harper was asked in Nova Scotia how he felt about a letter from the Quebec government discouraging the federal government from financially supporting the project.

Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter said Harper told him that the federal government will evaluate every energy project proposal on its own merits.

Dexter believes Harper's statement sent a message to Quebec.

"Harper made it clear in what he said: that Quebec does not have the power of veto," said Dexter.

On August 13, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams accused the government of Quebec of trying to block two provinces' plans to transmit hydroelectric power to market.

Williams told reporters in St. John's that he learned on August 12 that the Quebec government filed a written complaint to Harper about an application by Nova Scotia and Nalcor, Newfoundland and Labrador's Crown-owned energy corporation.

The two Atlantic provinces submitted a request to the federal government in late June, Williams said, for federal infrastructure funding to defray the cost of building a power line to Nova Scotia from Newfoundland.

Quebec government officials told reporters that they don't believe Newfoundland's energy project should receive federal money.

The line could potentially handle power generated from the proposed Lower Churchill hydroelectric megaproject in central Labrador. It could be used to compete with Quebec to sell power to the U.S. market as well.

Quebec argued the federal money would be an unfair subsidy to the two Atlantic provinces.

Williams said he was astonished to learn that the Quebec government is trying to block federal funding, which he said could be tantamount to trying to kill Newfoundland and Labrador's proposed project.

In a related NB Power debate, Hydro-Quebec's role in the takeover was viewed more favourably by some observers as well.

Related News

• Electricity Forum News

• Energy Policy News