Premier Andrew Furey says despite the naysayers, Newfoundland and Labrador has undergone dramatic positive change since the days before the pandemic.

Furey was speaking to Liberal Party faithful who paid $500 to attend a fundraising dinner and keynote address by the premier last night at the Delta Hotel.

He reminded the packed room it was only recently that, on top of COVID, many had written the province off as bankrupt, and in need of a bailout from Ottawa.

What a difference a year makes, he told the gathering.

He says it’s not the same province as it was pre-pandemic, adding “big, bold and courageous steps” have been made toward an “even bolder” future for the province, citing interest in mining, green hydrogen and the tech industry to lead the way.

Furey listed a slew of accomplishments along that journey to date, but also acknowledged the continued challenges with labour shortages worldwide, particularly in health care.

A moment was also set aside to note the absence of, and send best wishes to, Labrador MP Yvonne Jones, who is battling cancer for a second time.