(November 16, 2023, St. John’s): Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, is disappointed to hear the Liberal Government call addressing the affordability crisis “redundant” after voting down a resolution calling for action to support the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“For almost a decade, the Liberal Government has raised taxes, introduced new taxes, and sat on their hands as the people of our province have struggled to keep up with the affordability crisis facing our province. We don’t need knee-jerk reactions: we need vision to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is an affordable place to raise a family,” said Wakeham.

“I believe a total review of taxation and fees in our province is needed. Let’s eliminate taxes and fees that harm people and increase the cost of food and goods – starting with the Liberal Carbon and Sugar taxes forced by the Liberal Government onto the people of our province.”

Wakeham says the Liberal Government has caused the affordability crisis weighing down the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The Furey Liberal Government’s piecemeal poverty reduction strategy is missing huge pieces: seniors, persons with disabilities, and education to name just a few. I want to take poverty reduction a step further: we must reduce poverty, but also ensure affordability is central to a cost of living plan.

“Whether you’re a senior on a fixed income or a young couple looking at another $700-a-month added to your mortgage, it’s time for a serious plan to ensure life in our province is affordable for all,” said Wakeham.

“Another way to help people is to index the seniors benefit to inflation. Seniors are being left behind as the affordability crisis rages on. Indexing supports to inflation is just one way we will make life more affordable for the people of our province.

“A Wakeham Government will put people first and ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is a safe and affordable place to raise a family.”
-30-

Contacts:

Ashley Jackson-Politi

Media Relations Manager

(cell) (709) 325-5200

AshleyPoliti@gov.nl.ca