(August 11, 2022) – Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Finance and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, says today’s public relations event was smoke and mirrors designed to justify the Liberal Sugar Tax.

“We all want Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to be the healthiest province in Canada and a part of this is healthy eating and drinking habits, but today’s media event is an attempt by the Liberals to justify their latest tax grab,” said Wakeham.

“Minister Coady should rethink her tax. This year the Liberal Sugar Tax will take $5 million out of the pockets of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The Minister is hiding behind community organizations to try and justify this new tax. Government should be funding these excellent organizations, regardless of what unpopular, unproven tax grabs they push on the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Wakeham continued to outline options that the Liberal Government could avail of to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians reduce their sugar consumption and live overall healthier lives.

“If the Liberals truly wanted to help people be healthier, they would find ways to lower the cost of healthy food and drink options for seniors and families who are struggling to afford groceries. With over 150 communities under a boil water advisory, they would improve access to free clean drinking water. With too many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians without access to a family doctor, the Liberals must increase access to health care providers who can support individuals to want to make healthy lifestyle choices,” said Wakeham.

“Unfortunately today’s event and the ‘Rethink Your Drink’ campaign is more about justifying a Liberal tax grab than helping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians live healthy, active lives.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca