Question Period Note: Accusation that "Hydro-Québec spends millions to influence Maine referendum, sparking questions of election interference".

Cancelled Maine referendum would have terminated Hydro Quebec's transmission project to bring hydropower to Massachusetts (with some to Maine). Hydro Quebec is accused of meddling in the election.

• Canada supports the New England Clean Energy Connect project. It would bring reliable, affordable, clean hydro to Massachusetts, and some to Maine. The New England region would also benefit.

• The project contributes to the fight against climate change, helps reduce emissions, strengthens the cross-border energy grid and provides a firm base to increase other renewable sources.

• Hydro Quebec, as a one of the two companies developing the project, provided information and facts on NECEC to Mainers for their vote on the now-cancelled referendum question. This was never an election vote.
• We understand Hydro Quebec has followed Maine laws, and been transparent.
• Canada and Quebec respect Maine's laws. Ultimately, it is up to the people of Maine and their agencies to decide whether to approve the project

The construction of the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission line, a partnership of Hydro Quebec (HQ) and Central Maine Power (CMP), would provide clean, renewable, firm (24/7) and affordable power to Massachusetts, with most of the 1200 MW line running through Maine. HQ's 20-year multibillion-dollar contract with Massachusetts represents a major addition to Canada's energy export trade, helps Massachusetts and New England achieve emission reduction goals, and provides a reliable power base for the development and increase of the region's other renewable sources.

Maine will also receive some of the power, and a package of financial benefits that go beyond power (e.g. expanded broadband).

The utilities' contracts in Massachusetts to purchase the power have been approved by that state's agencies. The transmission line project through Maine has obtained many of its state level permits. Federal permits are pending.

Earlier in 2020, opposition in Maine to the project successfully collected enough signatures for a referendum, to appear on the November election ballot. The question, if successfully adopted, would have ordered the Maine Public Utilities Commission to reverse its previous decision to approve NECEC and issue a permit. The question did not in any way represent a vote for or against a candidate. On appeal by Central Maine Power, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court struck down the referendum as infringing on the Legislature's powers, delegated by law to the Commission. Therefore, there is no referendum.

Prior to the Supreme Court decision, both sides on the referendum spent money disseminating materials to the voters on the pros and cons of the question, as is normal in such as case. In early July 2020, a group of Maine legislators made an accusation similar to that contained in the October 12 Globe and Mail article. On July 30, 2020, Hydro Quebec wrote to the Maine legislators underlining that it was respecting Maine laws, was not interfering in any way in an election and was ensuring those casting a vote in the referendum had facts and information about the project.

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