Furey’s Liberal Sugar Tax Costs You More This Summer: Wakeham

(August 9, 2024, St. John’s, N.L.)

Tony Wakeham, Progressive Conservative Opposition Leader and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port says the Liberals are costing families more this summer, including through the sugar tax.

“As admitted by the Department of Finance’s survey, more than three-quarters of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will not change their habits because of the Liberal sugar tax. This means that the Liberal tax simply isn’t working and is costing families more this summer,” said Wakeham.

“Instead of helping to address communities with no water supply and numerous others on continuous boil-water advisories in the province and lowering the cost of healthy food and beverages, the Liberals continue to take money out of people’s pockets,” continued Wakeham. “This summer is no exception. From backyard barbecues to juice packs for day camp, the Liberals are making everyday life more expensive for every Newfoundlander and Labradorian.”

Instead of forcing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to pay more to enjoy summer, Wakeham outlined some of the actions a Progressive Conservative Government would take.

“A Progressive Conservative Government will immediately axe the sugar tax while continuing to support health promotion initiatives and healthy food options for our children and communities,” added Wakeham. “We will also lower living costs by reviewing and eliminating unnecessary taxes and fees and working with local food producers to help put affordable local food on grocery store shelves.”  

“The Liberals have had their hands in people’s wallets for far too long. It’s time to axe the sugar tax.”