(March 10, 2023, St. John’s) – David Brazil, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Conception Bay East – Bell Island, hopes that the Liberal Government has learned from last year’s budget mistakes and will table a complete, comprehensive, and effective plan to address the sky-high cost of living in the upcoming budget.

“Last year, the Liberals took three attempts at patching together a cost of living plan. Yet, many residents of this province are still suffering under record high grocery prices, increasing rent costs, and rising gasoline and home heating fuel prices,” said Brazil.

“The Liberals demonstrated last year that they are unable to make living in Newfoundland and Labrador more affordable.”

In anticipation of the upcoming budget, Brazil outlined actions the Liberals should take to help lower these costs.

“The Liberals should take meaningful action to lower the costs of living. Which would provide relief for every Newfoundlander and Labradorian,” said Brazil.

· Ensure that the Liberal Carbon Tax does not force the increase of home heating fuel by 17 cents per Litre,

· Stand up to the Federal Government and advocate for stopping future Carbon Tax increases on gasoline and diesel,

· Continue to temporary gas tax reduction into 2024, helping to relieve pressure at the pumps,

· Commit to the continuation of the home heating rebate plan, based on fuel purchased in 2023,

· Work with local businesses to lower the cost of doing business in Newfoundland and Labrador. This should include the reduction of taxes which local business pay, reducing the red tape local businesses have to cut through, and working to overcome supply chain expenses,

· Work with local farmers and food producers to lower their cost of operations, passing on savings to local customers,

· Provide enhanced supports for the most vulnerable in our society,

· Removing the regressive sugar tax, and

· Commit to not increasing personal income tax while lowering consumer taxes and fees.”

“The Liberals have another chance to get it right. Unfortunately, their track record is not cause for optimism.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca