The province’s Finance Minister has tabled a six-month Interim Supply Bill, just in case the Opposition tries to take down government through the budget process.
Tom Osborne says they need to ensure that services continue to be provided, and that people continue to get paid. He attributes that to rumours of a possible opposition coalition trying to bring government down.
View the text of Bill 26 at this link.
Osborne doesn’t want to see a government shut down, referencing what recently happened in the United States. He argues that if he brought in a three-month interim supply, the Opposition could accuse him of limiting their ability to vote on interim supply or the budget. Osborne claims he’s not afraid of the possibility of the Opposition bringing government down—but in case they do, they must ensure services can continue.
The intent, according to Osborne, is not to allow a new Liberal leader to call a snap election—declaring that the province will “absolutely” see the budget before any election happens.
Wakeham: interim supply. 2.7-2.8 billion normally. Asking for double that this year. Why?
Osborne: hopeful opposition will vote for budget. In case they try and bring government down there is sufficient money to get through the process. @VOCMNEWS #nlpoli
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) March 5, 2020
The Premier has said he wants the new Liberal leader to put their stamp on the budget. However, Osborne maintains he is not making his decisions based on that. He says he’s making his decisions on his role and responsibilities as Minister of Finance, and that when the budget is ready to go, it will go.
Should there be any input beyond May 9—when the new leader is chosen—there is a very small window to make any changes.
Osborne says he will work with whoever becomes the next leader of the Liberal party.
Crosbie Believes Interim Supply Intended to Grant Government Leeway
Meanwhile, PC Leader Ches Crosbie believes the six-month interim supply bill is likely due to a snap election coming in May or June.
He says government has given themselves six months of leeway with the unusual piece of legislation to get 6-months worth of money.
Crosbie believes another option the Liberal’s may be thinking of is proroguing the House so their “new guy”—who will not have a seat in the legislature—is not subject to the embarrassment of people being reminded that the Premier does not have a seat.
