(September 1, 2022, St. John’s) – Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Finance and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, says in response to the rising cost of living and a recent report outlining the growing struggles of food security for working people in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Liberal Government has decided to introduce a new tax to increase the cost of living.

“Today, the Liberal government introduced their tax-grab Sugar Tax. At a time when the cost of living in Newfoundland and Labrador continues to spike, the Liberals decide now is the time for a new tax. Only an out-of-touch government would decide to further increase the cost of living at a time when the people of our province are crying out for help,” said Wakeham.

“A recent report found food insecurity is highest in Newfoundland and Labrador than any other province in the country. So Andrew Furey decides to add more pressure to the people of the province who are already struggling to afford the essentials. Not only is the Liberal government forcing grocery bills to rise by this Liberal Sugar Tax, but they continue to leave seniors waiting on long overdue the home heat rebate program.

“People in our province are already struggling to put food on the table. The Liberals are increasing that pressure, not taking it away.”

Wakeham says there are other ways to encourage healthy behaviour than another tax.

“Ending boil water advisories in our province is a way to get more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians drinking water, not another Liberal Tax,” said Wakeham.

“Increasing the affordability of healthy options will help the people of our province make healthier choices, not another Liberal Tax. Lowing the cost barriers to taking part in organized sport in our province is a way to help our province be a healthier place, not another Liberal Tax. The Liberal government needs to rethink their Sugar Tax before further increasing the cost of living in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca