December 17, 1998
(Executive Council)

Joint sponsorship of Canada Winter Games announced

Premier Brian Tobin announced today the joint sponsorship initiative of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro Quebec as official suppliers of the 1999 Canada Winter Games.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro Quebec are the newest members of the Canada Winter Games corporate family. As official suppliers, the utilities have committed to a combined sponsorship of $150,000.

Premier Tobin said: "For two weeks this winter, Western Newfoundland will be host to what is the most significant multi-sport and cultural event in Canada. I am pleased to see members of this country's corporate community, such as Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro Quebec, eagerly stepping forward to show support for Canada's young athletes in sport."

"Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is proud to be a part of the Canada Winter Games corporate team," said Bill Wells, president and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. "It gives us an opportunity to demonstrate not only our excitement about this significant national event to take place in our province, but to highlight our partnership with Hydro Quebec as we work towards a Memorandum of Understanding on the Churchill River Power Project. I wish all the athletes the best of luck."

Andre Caille, president of Hydro Quebec said: "We are happy to encourage Canada's youth to participate in the Canada Games with our long-time partner, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. We wish them an exciting and rewarding time."

The Canada Winter Games run from February 20 - March 6. During the two week period some 3,200 athletes and coaches from across the country will come together in Western Newfoundland to compete in this premier sporting event featuring over 20 sports and 135 events.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro Quebec are currently conducting formal negotiations for the Churchill River Power Project which was announced on March 9 of this year. The proposed project involves: a 1,000 megawatt expansion at Churchill Falls, the construction of a 2,264 megawatt generating station at Gull Island; a feasibility study for development of Muskrat Falls, associated transmission facilities and an 800 megawatt transmission line, commonly referred to as "the infeed," from Gull Island to the island of Newfoundland. A Memorandum of Understanding between the two utilities is expected in early 1999.

Media contact:

Heidi Bonnell, Premier's Office, (709) 729-3964

Guy Litalien, Hydro Quebec, (514) 289-2314

Jacqueline Couture, 1999 Canada Winter Games, (709) 637-1306.

1998 12 17                                       2:20 p.m.