The Interim Opposition Leader says he was a little taken aback by Premier Andrew Furey’s State of the Province address.

David Brazil says he was both disappointed and surprised to see the Premier deliver his message by way of a pre-taped video.

He says not making these statements in public speaks to a lack of transparency and openness; government’s medium is the media, and not giving the media the opportunity to ask questions on behalf of the public was disappointing.

Brazil says some of the Greene Report’s recommendations can be implemented right away with minimal impact on people’s lives while some others would need to be fine-tuned before being implemented, but could still help the province make big savings.

He says the Premier did little in his speech to reassure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians about the $47-billion debt. Brazil says the province has some of the most resilient people, natural resources, and assets that, if used correctly, can get the province back on solid ground.

He says he didn’t hear enough detail about how the province will grow its economy using key industries like fisheries, tourism, mining, forestry, technology, and oil and gas.

Brazil states there needs to be more focus on retention and making sure jobs are available to those entering the workforce, or else more young people will leave.

The PC Party is committed to working collaboratively with the government to find the best path forward, and Brazil says to do that he will need to know the facts and figures.