(October 16, 2023, St. John’s):Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, says the Liberals had a chance to find solutions to the cost of living crisis, but refused to debate an emergency motion brought by the opposition to do just that.

“I committed to bring forward this emergency debate on my first day in the House of Assembly, based on the thousands of conversations I’ve had with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians about the cost of living crisis. I’m appalled the Liberal Government would refuse to address the cost of living crisis facing everyone who calls Newfoundland and Labrador home,” said Wakeham.

“Yet again, instead of finding solutions, the Liberal Government hides their head in the sand. We all know this is a national issue. But the Liberals want to use that as an excuse to throw up their hands and do nothing. The people of our province cannot wait any longer for meaningful cost of living relief.”

Wakeham says the people of Newfoundland and Labrador are being crushed under the weight of the cost of living – and the only answer from the Liberal Government is more taxes.

“The Liberals introduced the carbon tax, they collected $35 million in revenue, and when asked if it would be refunded to the people of our province, the Liberals said no. In fact, more Liberal carbon tax increases are on the way,” said Wakeham.

“It’s time for action, not for excuses, from Premier Furey. We must act now to reverse the flood of people to food banks and onto the streets throughout our province. Eight years of empty promises has resulted in the state of affairs we see before our province. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador deserve better from their government.”

-30-

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca