AgreementNewfoundland and Labrador / QuebecNot passed yet

Definitive Cooperation and Implementation Agreement (Churchill Falls / Gull Island) (DCIA 2026-08-17)

Agreement signed on August 17, 2026 by Hydro-Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. Mostly non-binding: only its clauses on access, confidentiality, disputes and general terms bind the parties. It sets the terms for binding long-form agreements, targeted for December 31, 2026, with a hard end of term on March 31, 2027 that both sides can extend. Terms: supply from the existing Churchill Falls plant from 2027 to 2077; 2,350 MW for Newfoundland and Labrador and 6,915 MW firm for Hydro-Québec; upgrades adding about 1,275 MW; a new Gull Island plant of 2,250 to 2,700 MW owned 60/40 by NL Hydro and Hydro-Québec. The long-form agreements are to include clauses requiring compensation if a future government singles out the project, with disputes under Ontario law.

Stages

Passing a law is not the same as switching it on, and switching it on is not the same as using it. Each stage is dated where known.

1. Announced 17 August 2026
   Churchill Falls / Gull Island Definitive Cooperation and Implementation Agreement (DCIA) signed; mostly non-binding

Events

• 31 March 2027Churchill Falls DCIA end of term, extendable by mutual agreementDocumentAgreementNewfoundland and Labrador1 source
• 31 December 2026Target date for the Churchill Falls / Gull Island definitive agreementsDocumentAgreementNewfoundland and Labrador1 source
• 17 September 2026NL House of Assembly passes a resolution to proceed with the Churchill Falls deal, 21–18ActionLegislationNewfoundland and Labrador2 sources
• 17 August 2026Churchill Falls / Gull Island Definitive Cooperation and Implementation Agreement (DCIA) signed; mostly non-bindingDocumentAgreementNewfoundland and Labrador10 sources