St. John’s, N.L. (March 19, 2025) – Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, says the most recent accident on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH), involving a jackknifed transport truck due to black ice, is yet another reason why 24-hour snow clearing, and highway maintenance is urgently needed across the province.

“I spoke with the truck driver who jackknifed his truck over the weekend, and he told me there was no salt on the road at the time,” said Wakeham. “If this is true, the Minister owes the people of the province an explanation. Lives continue to be put at risk due to poor planning by this Liberal government.”

Wakeham expressed frustration that the Liberal government fails to account for the unpredictable nature of Newfoundland and Labrador’s weather, leaving equipment idle when it is most needed.

“The Liberal government acts as if storms only occur between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. I’m concerned that snow-clearing equipment sits idle when the workday ends,” continued Wakeham. “Essential workers and everyday Newfoundlanders and Labradorians cannot wait for clear weather to get where they need to go.”

Wakeham pointed to troubling remarks made last year by former Minister and Liberal leadership candidate John Abbott, who dismissed the need for 24/7 highway maintenance.

“John Abbott stated last year: ‘We don’t commit to 24/7 because we don’t think that is needed.’ This mindset demonstrates just how out of touch the Liberals are when it comes to the safety of people living in rural areas,” said Wakeham.

“No matter who leads the Liberal Party, they continue to fail the people of this province outside the overpass by refusing to provide 24-hour snow clearing and highway maintenance. A Wakeham PC government will immediately reinstate 24-hour snow clearing and ensure we have the equipment and staff needed to provide the service the people of this province deserve. We will create safer communities for all of us.”