(March 2, 2022) – Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Finance and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, says the people of Newfoundland and Labrador cannot afford to wait any longer for the Liberals to take action on the high price of gasoline and skyrocketing cost of living – we need action today.

“Since November, I have been speaking out about the record breaking high gasoline prices, the unaffordable cost of home heating fuel, and the rising cost of groceries. The PC Official Opposition has consistently offered solutions, while the Minister consistently ignores the problem,” said Wakeham.

“Enough is enough. The Liberals continue to be silent and fail to act, while the people of this province need action to make life more affordable today.”

Wakeham expressed concern that the current geo-political circumstance and the Russian invasion of Ukraine could result in additional cost pressures in this province.

“Like many people, I am watching what is happening in Eastern Europe with great concern for the Ukrainian people. My thoughts are with innocent civilians who are now dealing with violence in their towns and communities. As Canada joins the international effort for peace in Europe, the Minister should be working to mitigate the ripple effects of this conflict here at home,” said Wakeham.

“There is a great risk the prices of fuels, gasoline and home heating fuel, and the price of goods will increase again. I know many people in this province are already struggling to balance their household budgets and have changed their spending habits. I am concerned about what the impact of more cost increases will be on these residents.”

Wakeham continued to call on Minister Coady to take immediate action to help those struggling to make ends meet.”

“I’ve given suggestions before, but with the increasing oil revenues, I believe it is incumbent on the Minister to use some of these oil revenues in a planned manner to reduce the cost of living in this province,” said Wakeham.

“The Minister should implement a home heating rebate program, reduce the taxation on gasoline, and use extra oil revenues offset the cost of healthy foods for low income families.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca