The PCs expect Newfoundland and Labrador to hit a record projected deficit this year, but the government is not prepared yet to go there.
The Liberals projected a stifling deficit of $2.2-billion just weeks after taking over Confederation Building late in 2015. Opposition Finance Critic Tony Wakeham believes that Minister Tom Osborne knows the numbers, but Osborne says government officials are still compiling those figures.
Interim Supply runs out September 30, but a new budget would have to be introduced weeks before to allow for debate.
Neither the PCs nor the NDP will give government more money without a budget. The minister says a budget will be tabled in time to allow for debate.
Province Considering Allowing Access to Pension Funds
The provincial government is going to hold consultations on the possibility of unlocking pensions.
Ferryland MHA Loyola O’Driscoll asked Finance Minister Tom Osborne about changing the rules to allow people to access pension funds.
Minister Osborne had not intended to reveal his plans, but he told the House that it’s a complex issue.
Details on a public consultation will be released in the next week or two but legislative change would be required, and that would not happen until the next sitting of the House.