Servicing the province’s debt—which is now forecast to reach $16.4-billion—remains the province’s second-largest expenditure. That is a serious concern for Finance Minister Siobhan Coady.

That’s why, says Coady, Dame Moya Green has been asked to lead an economic recovery team to look at every possible aspect of the province’s operations to find “big, bold” solutions.

NDP Leader Allison Coffin says while there were some positives, the NDP was not pleased with certain aspects of the budget such as the task force to create efficiencies, the lack of rate mitigation, and areas related to COVID-19.

For example, she says the clawback of CERB was not addressed nor were sick day provisions for presumptive COVID patients.

Opposition Leader Ches Crosbie is questioning certain language missing from the document.

He says there’s no vision for the future that will give people a reason to stay here, and nothing that will “generate jobs, jobs, and jobs.”