St. John's, N.L. (October 10, 2024)
Today, Tony Wakeham, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, announced that if he were Premier, he would work with other Premiers in a future legal challenge against the Liberal carbon tax.
"The Liberal carbon tax is an unfair burden on the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, especially those in rural communities who already face higher living costs," said Wakeham. "Our rural residents are forced to drive longer distances for basic services, and the added financial strain from this tax is simply unacceptable. It disproportionately affects those, including seniors, who can least afford it."
"Many of our seniors are on fixed incomes, and the carbon tax is pushing their already tight budgets to the brink. We need to protect our residents from these unnecessary financial pressures and advocate for policies that truly support their well-being," added Wakeham.
"The Liberal government turned their backs on the people of Newfoundland and Labrador when they voted to introduce a carbon tax. Premier Furey has only suggested a 'pause' to the carbon tax, failing to recognize its severe impact on our residents," Wakeham continued. "This is a troubling response that ignores the daily struggles many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians face. We need decisive action; the carbon tax must go."
A Wakeham government would not punish residents for living in rural areas. "Our focus should be on practical solutions that lower the cost of living while promoting the revitalization of rural Newfoundland and Labrador," Wakeham stated.
"It's time to put people before politics; this is about the everyday lives of our people. We will not back down from stopping this Liberal tax grab."
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