The first question period of the fall sitting of the provincial legislature took place this afternoon, and most of it focused on healthcare and the cost of living.
The first question period to take place inside Colonial Building since 1959 kicked off with Opposition House Leader Barry Petten questioning government about the state of healthcare.
Premier Andrew Furey responded to those questions by noting that issues around healthcare are being felt nationally, however, Petten quipped back that this is the only province where healthcare failures are being “celebrated.”
That reference from Petten is in regard to an agreement between the province and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute to have some cardiac patients flown to the nation’s capital for treatments that can’t be done here.
Wait times to see a doctor, as well as issues with access to paramedicine services in central Labrador, were also discussed.
The topic of the cost of living came up as well. As the opposition questioned government on the $500 cheques announced yesterday, the government side would erupt into cheers at the mention of the money.
Things took a raucous turn as well when PC Tony Wakeham questioned the Premier on the sugar tax.
Furey once again touted the benefits of the tax on health outcomes, saying they are just asking that when people buy a drink they move their hand to the healthier option.
