doug may

Professor at Memorial University

[doug may @dmay001]

My reaction is: The GNL has not developed the strategic framework, the institutional capacity, or the credible alternatives necessary to respond effectively to a changing electricity-system environment. Therefore, negotiations should not proceed at this time.

[doug may @dmay001]

We asked GPT the question:" Are we ready to negotiate with Hydro-Québec? Its answer: The central question is not whether negotiations should occur, but whether the province has developed the strategic framework, institutional capacity, and credible alternatives necessary to respond effectively to a changing electricity-system environment.

[doug may @dmay001]

The latest monthly trade data for Quebec with the U.S. show growing dependence on U.S. markets and a widening trade deficit. Not shown is a blended shoulder-season price of about $ 55 CAD/MWh for imported electricity, compared to $ 2 CAD/MWh for CF power or $18 CAD/MWh under the MOU.

[doug may @dmay001]

Applied economic analysis depends on access to reliable data. My focus on the MOU and the IRC's Report is no exception. In my work, I requested monthly sales volume and value data for CF(L)Co from NLH. My request was denied. I am lodging a complaint with the PC. See https://t.co/WFj8PoIBIy

[doug may @dmay001]

Our website https://t.co/mORBKyCEEw contains a lot of information about the Churchill River electricity developments, past and proposed. Questions may be asked in French or English and answered in your language of choice, @Hydroqc @FinancesCanada

[doug may @dmay001]

It is informative to compare my Action Plan and MOU evaluation with the Independent Review Committee's Report. The GPT comparison is insightful. See https://t.co/KUlt2Vsb93 . @GovNL @FinanceCanada @NLElectricity @hydroquebec

[doug may @dmay001]

"Manna from heaven!" That's how one family member described the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's increase in revenue from oil royalties, HST, and corporate income tax from provincially incorporated oil companies.
Thoughts? @NLpoli

[doug may @dmay001]

Retail trade sales were up slightly in February from January in current dollar terms, but down slightly in constant dollar terms. Compared to Feb last year, sales fell by 2.4% in current terms and 4.2% in constant terms. #nlpoli

[doug may @dmay001]

The LFS numbers released by Statistics Canada showed that seasonally adjusted employment of NL'ers continued to grow slightly. It has grown by 2.2% over the past year and is at a historic high. The unemployment rate is relatively steady at 9.5. The % of pop working is 52.7.

[doug may @dmay001]

The Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge in France, on Canadian territory, which is largely untouched since this day in 1917.

[doug may @dmay001]

Vimy Ridge Day

[doug may @dmay001]

The latest seasonally adjusted labour market data from Statistics Canada show that NL is going against national trends. Full-time employment is up. The unemployment rate is steady at 9.2%. The percentage of the population employed is also up. #nlpoli @GovNL

[doug may @dmay001]

Hydro-Québec has a growing problem. Its traditional electricity supply sources are not keeping up with domestic demand. The result is that HQ is a net importer in its traditional USA markets. This imported power is very expensive. Gull Island is badly needed. #nlpoli

[doug may @dmay001]

StatsCan released its monthly electricity price index for October today. For users with monthly usage under 5000kWh (basically all homes), prices in NL were up 7.2% over the year. Quebec prices rose 3.6%, while Ontario prices rose 11.2%. #nlpoli

[doug may @dmay001]

In payroll employment numbers released this morning for September, employment in NL fell slightly. Compared to September a year earlier, the growth industry was mining and oil, followed by health. The most significant declines were in education, followed by construction.

[doug may @dmay001]

Will the % of women increase? Probably yes, as older males retire. A slight majority of associate professors are female.

[doug may @dmay001]

Statistics Canada just released data on full-time teaching staff (FTS) at Canadian universities. For MUN, for 2024-2025, there were 603 FTS. 44% were full professors, of whom 1/3 were women. Overall, 39% of FTS were women. 12% of FTS were in senior admin positions. #nlpoli

[doug may @dmay001]

While you hear a lot about inflation in the media these days, especially south of the border, in the last 4 months, price levels in NL have stayed steady, even declined slightly.

[doug may @dmay001]

Retail sales stayed steady in September. Most of the increases in sales over the past five years are due to price increases (inflation). When adjusting for inflation, sales in September are about where they were last September in 2024.

[doug may @dmay001]

Some good news on the labour market front from Statistics Canada. Seasonally adjusted employment rose by 4,400 back to levels seen in July. The unemployment rate dropped, and the % of the population employed rose back to June levels.
Have a good day. 🙂 #nlpoli