Premier Furey is defending his decision to write the Bank of Canada Governor, urging him to consider alternatives to another interest rate hike.
The move raised eyebrows, with Memorial University political scientist Kelly Blidook taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, raising concerns about politicians trying to influence independent bodies like the Bank of Canada.
Obviously the BoC should ignore Premier Furey.
Elected politicians are showing an increasing intent to influence the Bank's decisions. This should concern everyone & we should ask them to stop. https://t.co/7iX5TNmUU2
— Kelly Blidook (@kblidook) September 6, 2023
The Premier says he understands that, but felt writing the Bank of Canada was the right thing to do.
He told reporters this morning that as premier, he’s in a position to advocate on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. “You’re never in the position to instruct an independent agency or institution like the Bank of Canada,” he says, but he felt it was appropriate to express his view, “no different than any other Canadian has the right to do.”