With his father, Senator George Furey, and the members of his young family looking on, Andrew Furey was sworn-in as the 14th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.
This morning’s swearing-in ceremony was different from those in the past.
Concerns about COIVD-19 moved the ceremony onto the grounds of Government House under the canopy of a large tent.
Furey leads a minority government and must call an election within the next year.
The new Premier’s cabinet will be sworn-in at 1:00 this afternoon.
In his first speech as Premier, Andrew Furey emphasized the importance of listening when seeking counsel in the decision-making that lies ahead. Furey says the most important thing he has learned is to listen. He promises to listen to people because that leads to better decisions.
Furey cited the recent back-to-school plan released this week as an example of coming up with policies through engagement and consultation.
Premier Furey also made a commitment to transparency, something that past administrations had also committed to.
“You’ll know exactly what the hard decisions are, and how they will impact our province, and why we are making them. When asked a question, expect a straight-up, fact-based answer. No rhetoric, just reality. We will stand and be accountable for our mistakes, and….will strive to learn from them.” -Premier Andrew Furey
Furey says he can’t change the past but will move forward. Promises transparency and straight answers to a question pic.twitter.com/MEhr9vLZht
— Brian Madore (@bmadorevocm) August 19, 2020
He says we’re in a better position now than when the pandemic struck.
Furey went around the province and says he heard some negative comments such as “why would you want to take a job which is like taking over the Titanic after it struck an iceberg?” To naysayers, he says “they don’t know us and our resiliency.”
His Cabinet will be sworn in this afternoon at which time there will be an opportunity to question him. VOCM News will be there.
You can watch the full swearing-in ceremony below:
I am truly honoured to have been sworn-in as the 14th Premier of the great province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
And to do so surrounded by family and friends, and the history of this place, is humbling.
Thank you, now let’s keep working. pic.twitter.com/SeHHM4Trnr
— Andrew Furey (@FureyAndrew) August 19, 2020
