St. John’s, NL (April 8, 2025) – Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and MHA for Stephenville – Port au Port, today outlined the party’s priorities and key actions that must be included in Budget 2025 to create a better Newfoundland and Labrador for all residents.

“After a decade of Liberal government, life has become more expensive, healthcare is in a crisis and too many people no longer feel safe in our communities,” said Wakeham. “The unjustified tariffs from the United States are a direct threat to workers and industries in this province, adding to the stress people are already facing.”

Wakeham called for the Liberal government to use this year’s budget to reduce red tape, promote internal trade, and finally share the full details of their tariff response plan.

“After months of talking about tariffs, the Liberals still have not put forward a detailed action-oriented response plan. They have set aside a $200 million contingency to mitigate the impact of the tariffs but have not shared the details of how this money will be used,” said Wakeham.

Wakeham added that while tariffs are an important issue and we must work together to ensure the least impact possible on our industries, workers and communities, the Liberal government can't ignore the issues they have created after 10 years of mismanagement.

“I am calling for measures in this year’s budget that will lower taxes and put money back in people’s pockets, improve access to healthcare, and increase the safety of communities. The Liberals must eliminate the sugar tax, increase the NL Seniors’ Benefit, and ensure people do not have to pay to travel for essential medical care or to see a nurse practitioner. This budget should also provide additional funding for policing in our communities,” said Wakeham.

“The Progressive Conservative Caucus and I will continue to hold government to account, speak out on matters that are important to the people of our province, and push for measures for the benefit of all of us,” concluded Wakeham.