St. John’s, N.L. (March 12, 2025) – Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, says the recent Liberal Cabinet shuffle is a clear sign of an out-of-touch, old, and tired government struggling to stay afloat.

“The Liberals are scrambling to fill roles, stretching ministers too thin while leaving other caucus members on the sidelines,” said Wakeham. “This isn’t leadership—this is damage control.”

The shuffle has resulted in ministers juggling multiple critical portfolios. One minister is now responsible for both Municipal and Provincial Affairs and Health and Community Services, while another must oversee Mental Health and Addictions and Housing, in addition to serving as Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.

Wakeham stressed that health care, as well as mental health and addictions, are among the province’s most pressing and complex issues and cannot be managed as a part-time responsibility. “Health care and mental health and addictions need a minister’s full-time, undivided attention—Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve nothing less.”

“If the Liberals can’t govern effectively, our Progressive Conservative team is ready to lead. We are prepared to offer stable leadership, a real plan, and a better future for all of us.”