Minister after minister said they were shocked by the news of Premier Andrew Furey’s decision to step down, and they looked it.
Deputy Premier Siobhan Coady and Minister Pam Parsons said they were summoned to a caucus meeting shortly before the big announcement yesterday, but had no idea what was coming.
Both Coady and Parsons put Furey among the best, if not THEE best premier of this province.
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality Pam Parsons (File photo)
Parsons said his leadership has had a profound impact on all of caucus and beyond.
“I’m very shocked and I am heartbroken today,” she said. “And I think there’s going to be a lot of sad hearts across Newfoundland and Labrador, maybe even Canada, because he’s shown some outstanding leadership, not just on the provincial stage, as we know what we’re facing from the U.S., we’ve seen him be a leader on the national stage here in Canada.”
Furey and Deputy Premier Siobhan Coady during the launch of this province on the London Stock Exchange in 2023. (File photo)
Asked who might succeed Furey, Coady said it was simply too soon.
“This is brand new to all of us,” said Coady. “So whether Pam or others or myself think about leadership into the future, let’s let that sit for a few minutes and make some decisions as we move forward.”
Opposition Reacts
NDP Leader Jim Dinn (File/VOCM News)
NDP Leader Jim Dinn says news that premier is stepping down was a “shocker” and “totally unexpected.”
Dinn heard the news while over in Germany, attending the Aspen Germany’s Laboratories of Democracy Initiative.
He acknowledges comments from the premier saying that he never intended to be a career politician, noting that he had a list of things he wanted to accomplish.
Premier Furey embraces his son following the announcement of his resignation. (VOCM News)
Dinn also notes the strain that political life can have on one’s family, and that’s something he can appreciate, noting that Furey has a young family.
He says says PEI Premier Dennis King stepped down last week for similar reasons, so “it was a shock and in many ways it wasn’t a shock.”
PC Leader Tony Wakeham (File/VOCM News)
Meanwhile, PC Leader Tony Wakeham is recognizing Furey for his commitment to the province, and wished him and his family the best in their next chapter.
Wakeham says while they may not have always agreed, he has “respect (for) anyone who takes on the responsibility of leading our great province.”
Breen Thanks Furey During Council Meeting
St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen (File photo)
The mayor of St. John’s said if Furey was going for shock value, it worked.
Reacting to the news during yesterday’s council meeting, Danny Breen said government’s loss is health care’s gain.
“I know that he’s choosing to go back to his career (as a surgeon),” he said. “And even though that’s a loss as premier of the province, it’s certainly an addition as a fine doctor in our province, so thank you to Dr. Furey and his family for your time as premier.”
