N.L. government announces Team Labrador to secure economic benefits from energy deal

The Newfoundland and Labrador government has introduced a new team, called Team Labrador, with the aim of ensuring that residents of the region benefit from the province's upcoming multibillion-dollar energy deal with Quebec. The government's commitment to making sure local citizens gain from the deal follows its announcement of the first annual payment of $205.00 plus GST for one year, with automatic renewal at $233.00 plus GST every 52 weeks.

To achieve this objective, the province has appointed three members of the provincial legislature to serve on Team Labrador. The mandate of the team is to ensure that the peninsula can take full advantage of the energy projects proposed by the public utility companies from both provinces, particularly around the Churchill River.

However, local Mayor Bert Pomeroy of Happy Valley-Goose Bay expressed concerns about the potential strain on housing and healthcare infrastructure due to the influx of workers required for some of the proposed projects.

Team Labrador is tasked with engaging with Indigenous governments and organizations, municipalities, community leaders, businesses, and other stakeholders throughout Labrador. According to Keith Russell, one of the representatives named to the team, major development on the Churchill River will have impacts beyond the project sites, particularly for communities throughout central Labrador.

Russell emphasized the importance of planning early, listening to the concerns of Indigenous communities, municipalities, residents, and businesses, and responding to the pressures and opportunities they identify.

The work carried out by Team Labrador will also help inform the province's northern strategy. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 21, 2026.