(February 25, 2022) – Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Finance and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, says the Liberal government’s silence as the price of gas continues to climb is unacceptable as their inaction is directly harming seniors and the most vulnerable people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“While the people of Newfoundland and Labrador feel more and more pressure at the gas pump, Minister Coady continues to sit back and do nothing. The price is at an all-time record high in our province and is only expected to further increase in the weeks ahead. One expert noted just last evening that in the next week, gas could increase another 8-9 cents per litre. It’s just not good enough,” said Wakeham.

“I’m calling on Minister Coady to make a commitment to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador: stop the skyrocketing gas prices before gas costs two dollars or more per litre.”

Wakeham has made numerous public pleas for help on behalf of the people of the province, whether it’s for lowering of the gas tax or implementing a home heating fuel rebate program to help the province’s seniors.

“The Minister refuses to listen. If she was listening to the pleas of the people of the province, she would have acted by now. Instead, she’ll try to use this increasing oil price to balance her budget while every day Newfoundlanders and Labradorians find it harder and harder to get by,” said Wakeham

“The people of our province can’t wait for next year’s budget. It’s winter right now. Choosing between heat and food is not acceptable in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022, yet the Liberal government is pushing people to the brink again and again. The time for action is now.”

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Contacts:

Bradley Russell

Director of Digital Strategy
(p) 709-729-3668

BradleyRussell@gov.nl.ca

Below is a list of suggestions that 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.