ST. JOHN’S — A four-day debate about a draft energy agreement with Quebec began with a member of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Progressive Conservative party crossing the floor.

Keith Russell told the legislature in St. John’s, N.L., that he would now represent his Lake Melville district in Labrador as an Independent member, but he did not say why he was leaving the governing party.

He said the choice was difficult, but he had to listen to his conscience and put the people of his district first.

His crossing leaves the province’s Progressive Conservative party with half of the 40 seats in the legislature, but they retain a working majority government because the Speaker does not vote unless there is a tie.

Members of the legislature are discussing a proposed, multibillion-dollar agreement to share hydroelectric energy from Labrador with Hydro-Québec.

If finalized, the draft deal could end years of animosity between the provinces and lead to new hydroelectric and wind developments along the Churchill River.

The province’s electric utilities co-own and operate the 5,400-megawatt Churchill Falls hydroelectric plant through a contract long felt in Newfoundland and Labrador to be lopsided in favour of Hydro-Québec.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 14, 2026.

Sarah Smellie, The Canadian Press