(February 19, 2021) – : PC Leader Ches Crosbie says on the last day of voter registration the people of the province need to take a hard look at the state of the province and decide if Andrew Furey deserves a four year mandate with a Liberal majority government.

“Andrew Furey failed to ask for the advice of Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Fitzgerald as to whether it was safe for public health to call the election and got the province into the mess we see before our eyes.
The election is in limbo, with democratic rights being stripped away from seniors, from those in rural communities, and from Indigenous populations. He could have consulted with CEO Chaulk and ensured there was a plan B in case a COVID-19 outbreak in the midst of the election, but he did not,” said Crosbie.

“He could have waited until more vaccines were in the arms of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians before calling the election, but he did not. Mr. Furey could have waited until the Fall to call this election when winter conditions wouldn’t be a barrier to mail-in ballot distribution, but he did not. Is this recklessness what we need for the next four years?” asked Crosbie.

Crosbie says the people of the province should be focused on their own health and safety right now. He says his heart goes out to the hundreds of people who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in the province so far and points out his party’s resolution passed in October that tried to avoid this scenario.

Crosbie says Furey was focused on his own political ambitions. He was focused on getting this election done before the province could see Moya Greene’s interim report, says Crosbie.

“Mr. Furey could have put Newfoundland and Labrador first. Instead, he put Andrew Furey first. The people of the province still have a chance to reject this kind of self-centered decision making and reject a Liberal
government and their secret plans for Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Crosbie.

Crosbie will host a media availability via Zoom at 4:00 p.m. Media are asked to provide emails in advance for those who wish to attend.

Contacts:
David Maher
Director of Communications
(p) (709) 769-2216