Premier Andrew Furey today launched the Long-Term Care portion of the Liberal Party Platform in Corner Brook.

Furey says one in five Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is over the age of 65.

He’s vowing to work with the federal government to create a set of best practices to develop what he calls the standard for long term care in Canada in the 21st century.

He says the federal government has committed to $1-billion to long-term care, and he’s already spoken with Minister LeBlanc on how NL can avail of that.

NDP Sets Dental Care Priority

The New Democrats are making the dental health of seniors a priority in the election campaign.

Leader Alison Coffin unveiled a plan this morning to revamp the Adult Dental Program, ensuring that it’s the dentists themselves making the decisions on services as opposed to politicians.

NDP Leader Alison Coffin pledges to make dental care, especially for seniors, a priority. ⁦@VOCMNEWS⁩ pic.twitter.com/5VCo3McECE

— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) January 18, 2021

Coffin noted most seniors are on fixed incomes that are used to pay for critical necessities like rent, heat and food, and are forced to leave the care of their teeth and dentures far behind.

Coffin was unable to say how the NDP would pay for a reworked dental program, saying the party needs to have a look at government’s books before they can put a number on it. But she said the party is all about making better choices with the money they do have instead of cutting services altogether.

PCs Promise $10-M Venture Capital Fund

The PCs made their first policy announcement of the election campaign today, promising to create a $10-million Venture Capital Fund. It would target technology and innovation, and help companies expand their base within the province and grow exports.

Leader Ches Crosbie also pledged to implement an aggressive red tape reduction strategy to liberate business owners to spend more time generating new products and creating jobs.

The PCs would meet with the business community monthly to collect real-time feedback and to hear what improvements can be made.

PC Leader Ches Crosbie announces plan for $10-million venture capital fund to spur business plus tax credit for biz investment. ⁦@VOCMNEWS⁩ pic.twitter.com/UHT10mUntP

— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) January 18, 2021