(June 16, 2022) – Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Finance and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, says today’s announcement by the Federal Finance Minister must contain relief for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador who are struggling under the cost of living crisis.

“In the most recent session of the House of Assembly, the Premier and Finance Minister repeatedly gave excuses when asked about the Carbon Tax and the increase in gasoline prices. Now, with the Federal Finance Minister set to make an announcement, we’ll see if Minister Coady or Premier Furey bothered to pick up the phone to advocate for our province,” said Wakeham.

Wakeham pointed to many options that the Trudeau Liberals have to lower the cost of fuel, food, and essential items, which people are suffering to purchase.

“The Federal Government can lower the price of fuel by scrapping the Carbon Tax or the Federal Gas Tax. They can also lower the costs of all goods and services by reducing the GST or declaring a GST holiday,” said Wakeham.

“They can delay and defer any Carbon Tax increases and reverse the increases already in place, which are taking money from people’s pockets when they need it most.”

Wakeham concluded by outlining the impact that Liberal inaction is having on the same people who they are ignoring.

“If Minister Freeland doesn’t announce direct measures to lower the cost of living for the people of our province, it’s a clear failure by Premier Furey and Minister Coady to fight for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Wakeham.

“Today will be a test of Furey’s cosy relationship with his federal cousins. A lack of meaningful results to help the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will be Furey’s failure.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca