St. John’s, NL (January 22, 2025) – Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and MHA for Stephenville – Port au Port, is criticizing Premier Furey for traveling to the U.S. for the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

Wakeham said there was no need for the Premier to go to Washington for inauguration celebrations for a President who is threatening a 25 per cent tariff on Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishery, energy, lumber, and mining exports — a move that will have devastating consequences for the province’s economy.

“Why did the Premier decide it was important to attend celebrations for President Trump who has clearly stated his desire to cause economic harm to our province and publicly muse about Canada becoming the next U.S. state? We wonder if Andrew Furey wants to be a Premier or a Governor,” said Wakeham. 

Wakeham added the Premier should not have wasted taxpayers’ money on the trip when a meeting is already scheduled for February 12 in Washington to deal with the tariff threat through the Team Canada approach.

“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve a leader who prioritizes their best interests – not someone who seems more interested in seeking photo opportunities. The people of the province deserve better, especially during this critical time when we are facing a possible trade war with the U.S.,” said Wakeham.