Office of the Official Opposition
For Immediate Release

St. John's, NL (January 5, 2021) – Ches Crosbie, Leader of the Official Opposition and MHA for Windsor Lake, says the departure of Federation of Labour president Mary Shortall from the Economic Recovery team foreshadows lost jobs and big cuts in the public sector.

“Shortall has stated publicly that she could not remain a part of the committee, as staying on board would mean a conflict of interest for her organization. As the Federation of Labour is a defender of public sector employment, it’s not hard to read between the lines and see where this is going,” said Crosbie, who spoke with Shortall to thank her for her service on the committee on Tuesday.

“Shortall’s important voice leaving the team will reduce public confidence in the proposals expected to come by the end of February.”

Shortall's resignation follows similar concern expressed by NAPE, the province’s largest public sector union, about the approach taken by the Economic Recovery Team.

Crosbie says Premier Andrew Furey should allow the people of the province to see the interim report of Moya Greene’s Economic Recovery Team before sending the province into an election campaign.

“If the Premier plans to ‘cut off limbs’ to help the fiscal recovery of the province, then the people deserve to know what the targets are before casting their ballots,” said Crosbie.

“Drop the Greene report before you drop the writ, Mr. Premier.”

Speculation about an early election call continues to escalate. The interim Greene report is due to be delivered to government on February 28.

Now, as the Economic Recovery team faces a major resignation, the public has no reason to feel confident that jobs, healthcare, and the economy will be protected by the recommendations of the report, said Crosbie.

“The people of the province deserve the chance to decide for themselves if an agenda of public sector cuts, higher taxation, and job losses is what they want for Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Crosbie.

“Or if they want a positive vision for the province, where jobs are created, healthcare is supported, and people can get ahead under a Crosbie government.”

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(p) 1.709.725.0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca

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