Premier Tony Wakeham is marking his first 100 days in office by highlighting some of what has been accomplished, and what is on the horizon.
Wakeham says his government has been focused on the three pillars of the PC election platform: Healthcare, lower taxes, and safer communities.
He highlights several initiatives that he believes delivers on those commitments, including “refreshing” the leadership of NL Health Services, advocating to the federal government regarding the national Pharmacare program, freezing MUN tuition, cancelling the MOU on the proposed marine protected area on the south coast, reviewing the Churchill Falls MOU, and expanding 24/7 snow clearing.
In terms of the next 100 days, Wakeham points to the opening of the House of Assembly next month during which many of the promises they made in the PC bluebook will be enacted in legislation.
Wakeham says some of the tax relief they promised will be included in that, such as one made around personal income tax.
He says the first $15,000 a person makes will become tax free. A 20 per cent increase to the seniors’ benefit will also be included in the budget.
The Opposition Liberals (submitted)
Opposition Liberals say Wakeham government falls short on commitments
The Opposition Liberals say government has fallen short on the commitments made to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, with key promises “either broken” or “abandoned.”
The Opposition says government promised to lower taxes, improve health care and made communities safer, but instead have “delivered higher power bills, cuts to health care, stalled projects and excuses.”
The Liberals say the commitment to 24-hour snow clearing has not been achieved, and say government’s handling of the Churchill Falls MOU and the Bay du Nord project has been “alarming.”
They also accuse government of “throwing good money after bad” in plans to renovate and expand St. Clare’s.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn (VOCM News)
NDP gives Wakeham government failing grade
NDP leader Jim Dinn describes the PC’s first 100 days as a “non starter in many ways,” underscored by a lack of communication, and a lack of a plan – except for”dismantling” of what some of the Liberal administration did.
Dinn, a former teacher, gives the province a failing grade on what they have done.
He says he would give them a D or an F. He says the PCs have been undoing a lot of what the Liberals started, which isn’t a forward thinking plan.
