(September 28, 2023, St. John’s): David Brazil, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island, says his jaw dropped when a new poll confirmed our fears: three-quarters of the population of Newfoundland and Labrador are living paycheque-to-paycheque or falling behind on their finances.

“The cost of living crisis is out of control, thanks to continued tax increases by the provincial and federal Liberal Governments. A poll from Abacus Data found 77 per cent of respondents are living paycheque-to-paycheque or worse here in Newfoundland and Labrador. That is an alarm bell for every person in our province,” said Brazil.

“People are living on a razors edge. Yet the Liberal Government believes increasing taxes is the way to go. Whether it’s the carbon tax, fuel surcharges, or the sugar tax, the Liberal Government’s greatest success has been taking money out of the pockets of the people of our province – and it shows.”

Brazil is calling for immediate, tangible action to relieve the cost of living pressures crushing families in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“For years we’ve been saying these incremental cost of living increases are having a major affect on the people of our province. This data confirms that people are living on the thinnest of margins. An extra half a percentage point on a mortgage is enough to cause serious concerns for the average household in our province,” said Brazil.

“Reducing the tax burden, cancelling the carbon and sugar taxes, and working with local food producers to provide local, healthy, and affordable food options must be the only priority for the provincial and federal governments. The people of our province cannot afford another cent added to their cost of living. The Liberal Governments have failed to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is an affordable place to live and raise a family. We cannot continue on this path.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca