Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Ghiz and Québec Premier Jean Charest announced today the formal launch of discussions to develop a partnership on energy as a follow up to their meeting in Quebec city in September. This announcement follows discussions held between the two provinces and New Brunswick to develop a regional partnership on energy to benefit the three provinces. It also follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding by premiers Graham and Charest on October 29.
The premiers have directed their energy officials, as well as representatives of Hydro-Québec, to explore opportunities for co-operation with Prince Edward Island in the areas of supply, market opportunities and greenhouse-gas reduction.
“We warmly welcome PEI’s interest to launch formal discussions with Québec,” said Graham. “New Brunswick’s development as an energy hub will be strengthened by the proposed agreement with Québec, and further collaboration with PEI in the energy sector would be of benefit to all three provinces.”
“Hydro-Québec has a secure and reliable supply of clean, renewable energy to offer at competitive prices,” said Ghiz. “We are pleased to formalize our discussions with Québec that were initiated in my meeting with Premier Charest in September. Such talks are particularly timely given the proposed agreement between New Brunswick and Québec which opens up new possibilities for Prince Edward Island and the region.”
“Quebec, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island can work together to develop a win-win partnership with Prince Edward Island allowing Hydro-Québec to offer clean, competitive and renewable energy to the province with considerable economic and environmental advantages to PEI,” said Charest.