A contract created in 1969 between the Smallwood government and Hydro-Quebec that sold the water rights of Churchill falls for a term of 40 years.

The Grimes government was a difficult period for the provincial Liberals, marked by internal strife, declining popularity, and strong PC opposition.

Brian Tobin replaced Clyde Wells as premier and leader of the Newfoundland Liberals on 26 January, 1996.