(January 6, 2023, St. John’s) – Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Finance and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, is once again calling on the Liberal government to take action to lower the cost of living in Newfoundland and Labrador, this time calling on Minister Coady to stop taking money out of people’s pockets in the upcoming provincial budget.

Wakeham pointed to the growing list of Liberal decisions that have increased the cost to residents.

"Whether it be the Federal Liberals raising CPP and EI premiums which are making paycheques smaller, the Carbon Tax driving up the price of gasoline and home heating fuel, or the Provincial Liberals implementing a regressive sugar tax, there is a clear pattern emerging – Liberals love to take people's hard earned money," continued Wakeham.

"The Liberals will try to suggest that they are giving money to the people, in increased EI benefits, cost of living cheques, or carbon rebates, but in reality, the Liberals are only returning a portion of the money they continue to take from people's pockets.”

In advance of the provincial budget Wakeham offered ways to reduce the cost of living for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

"As the Finance Minister prepares the coming budget, the Premier should insist on removing the regressive sugar tax, extending the gas tax relief into 2024, committing to not increasing personal income tax, lowering consumer taxes and fees, and scrapping the Carbon Tax increase,” said Wakeham.

“The Liberals have choices to make. It’s time they choose to stop raising the cost of living for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca