St. John’s, NL (February 20, 2025) – Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and MHA for Stephenville Port au Port, today raised serious concerns about the latest Furey Liberal land deal.

Wakeham was reacting to an Order in Council which confirms that the Furey Liberals sold 32 acres of valuable Crown land on Snow’s Lane in St. John’s to a private company just before Christmas at a price of just $5,000 an acre.

“This is simply outrageous, and the people of the province deserve answers,” said Wakeham.  “Thirty-two acres of Crown land were given away in a fire sale for just $176,000.  In one location, the Furey Liberals bought land for $400,000 an acre, yet on Snow’s Lane they sell for $5,000 an acre – both in St. John’s.  Where is the independent market evaluation of the land that justifies such a fire sale?  Or is this simply another deal that came from the Minister’s office?”

Wakeham noted the Furey Liberals secretly purchased $23 million worth of land from developers in Kenmount Crossing last year without any market evaluation or value for money assessment.  Public documents at the time said it was a donation for the new St. Clare’s Hospital which was later exposed as a sole source, secret deal for 54 acres.

“A single building lot on Snow’s Lane has a market price averaged at $180,000.  This is the Furey Liberals being fast and loose with taxpayers’ land and cash with no accountability whatsoever,” said Wakeham.

“A Progressive Conservative Government led by me will end such secret deals.  Every decision will be done with a focus on the value for taxpayers and in the best interests of the people of the province,” added Wakeham. “We will ensure full transparency –Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve nothing less.”

-30-