Spending reform is needed in the province in order to restore confidence in the economy.

Richard Alexander is the Executive Director of the NL Employers’ Council. He says a lack of confidence dampens business investment, which has an immediate effect on the overall economy.

The ball is in government’s court according to Alexander. He’d like to see all parties be “honest with the people” and acknowledge that the province’s fiscal crisis is not over and that spending reform be implemented to address the issue.

That doesn’t mean cuts, says Alexander, that means setting priorities and paying down the debt. He admits nearly all residents would rather government spend on health care and education over the debt, but that needs to change.

What the province now spends on interest is more than health, education and social assistance combined.