(January 19, 2022) – Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Finance and MHA for Stephenville – Port au Port, is repeating his calls and continuing to ask the Liberal Government to take action to lower the cost of living for people in this province.

“The cost of heat in homes and food in the cupboards of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to increase, while the Liberal government takes no action. Statistics Canada has released their inflation statistics for December 2021 which show that the cost of living has increased by 4.2% in this province. Forecasters are also predicting that the price of gasoline will increase again this week,” said Wakeham.

“It’s another week with more indicators that the cost of living is becoming unaffordable for people in this province, while government takes no action. It is getting more expensive for families and seniors to find the money they need to buy groceries, heating fuels, and essential items.”

Wakeham noted that this is not the first time he has spoken out about this issue while Premier Furey and Minister Coady continue to fail to take action.

“I have spoken out previously about the high cost of living, the cost of inflation, the increasing cost of fuels and food and I will continue to speak out until the overdue actions are finally taken. People need help, they need a government which will help lower their cost of living,” said Wakeham.

“I have offered suggestions, like lowering the tax on fuel, implementing a home heating rebate, and conducting a review of all taxes and fees. But the Liberal Government refuses to implement these suggestions. Premier Furey and Minister Coady are nowhere to be found on this issue, it appears they are ignoring the people of this province who are struggling to afford rising prices,” said Wakeham.

“For many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the cost of living increases every month. The Liberals must take action before it’s too late.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca

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Background:

Below is a list of suggestion which MHA Tony Wakeham has publicly suggested to help lower the cost of living in Newfoundland and Labrador.

· Review the taxation charged on gasoline and home heating fuel to determine if tax rates can be lowered or if a different taxing structure could be taken in order to lower the consumer price of gasoline;

· Ask the PUB to review the 5 cents per litre charged on gas which was implemented when Come by Chance stopped producing;

· Implement a Home Heating Rebate program to offset the cost of home heating fuel for low income individuals and families;

· Delay the implementation of the sugar sweetened beverage tax;

· Commit to not increasing taxation rates as recommended in the Greene Report;

· Conduct a review of all taxes and fees charged in the province to determine their impact and remove any taxes and fees which are not efficient or effective;

· Make fresh foods, including fruits and vegetables, available free of charge in schools and through community food banks, and;

· Work with local producers, including dairy farmers, to lower the retail cost of goods produced and sold in Newfoundland and Labrador.