(January 12, 2022) – Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Finance and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port says it’s time for the Liberal government to put hardworking, everyday Newfoundlanders and Labradorians first in the 2022 budget.

“The Liberal government has done nothing but take from the pockets of everyday working people in our province since they were first elected. Taxes rise higher and higher, fees remain as high as when they were increased in 2016,” said Wakeham.

“More revenue is coming to the province in 2022 from increased oil prices, according to forecasters. Let’s put the extra money back into the pockets of the people of our province. The Liberals have a choice: to make living more expensive in our province or to finally take action on behalf of hard-working people trying to make ends meet in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Wakeham says the number one step the Liberal government can take to address the high cost of living is by bringing down taxation on gasoline.

“High fuel prices trickle down to the consumer at the cash register. The Liberals can choose to lower the gasoline tax to put more money in the pockets of everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador or they can choose to keep living,” said Wakeham.

Wakeham reiterated his suggestions on how the cost of fuels can be decreased. He is asking the Liberals to include these in the upcoming budget.

“A PC government introduced a home heating fuel rebate, and it was a Liberal government that eliminated it. It’s time to re-introduce the program to ensure seniors are not choosing between heat and food this winter,” said Wakeham.

“It’s time for the Liberals to stop thinking about their political friends and start thinking about seniors and every day, hardworking families trying to make ends meet in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

-30-
 

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca