Aftermath. The letter of intent was signed on 13 October 1966. It was a comprehensive and extensive document that took a form very similar to a contract. Once signed, the notion of a power corridor or right-of-way through Quebec ceased to be relevant and, in order to deliver power according to Hydro-Quebec’s needs, substantial work on the Xxxxxxxxx Falls development began almost immediately. Yet it was not until May of 1969 that the definitive contract was signed. During the time in between there were extensive negotiations on the contract as well as 68 Daybook of X.X. Xxxxxxxxx, 18 October 1966, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Papers, Collection 285, file 1.10.006, CNSA. 69 Xxxxxxxxx, I Chose Canada, 468. 70 Appointment Book, July-December 1966, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Papers, MG 26, N8, vol. 6, LAC. 71 It seems odd that the “Xxxxxxx Appeal” account has gained such widespread acceptance, given that it was based on a private conversation that took place about 18 years after the fact. In reporting that conversation, another 12 years later, Xxxxxx stated that he believed what Xxxxxxxxx had told him but, to his credit, suggested that it should be checked, and pointed out there must be evidence in federal memos and Xxxxxxxxx’x own papers. Until now that fact-checking had not been done. One might speculate that the readiness of many Newfoundlanders to believe that those events took place reflected frustration with how the province was faring in the federation. intertwined financial arrangements. It was at this stage that the most controversial aspects of the contract and related financial arrangements came about (i.e., an automatic 25-year renewal contract with a reduced price was added to the term that had been agreed to in the letter of intent, and mechanisms were put in place that could allow Hydro-Quebec to take over ownership of CFLCo if certain milestones were not achieved). Xxxxxx and Xxxxx argue that Hydro-Quebec took advantage of CFLCo’s financial circumstances in 1968 in order to obtain these concessions, especially the extraordinary renewal clause.72 However, that debate is beyond the scope of this essay. It suffices here to point out that neither CFLCo nor the Newfoundland government ever reverted to the idea of a power corridor for Xxxxxxxxx Falls power during the negotiations after October 1966.73 Summary and conclusion The matter of a power corridor is part of the history of the Xxxxxxxxx Falls contract. It was especially relevant during the breakdown in negotiations in 1964. In r...
Aftermath
