Liberal leadership candidate Dr. Andrew Furey says he was not surprised to see Paul Antle throw his support behind Furey’s opponent, John Abbott.

Antle stated it was no time for someone lacking experience, but Furey argues the province is facing three crises – health, economic and social – and says he is experienced in all three.

Furey listed off his experience as a doctor with a masters in clinical epidemiology, how he started and administrated two national organizations and attended Oxford Business School, and how he has always contributed to the social fabric and charitable organizations of the province.

Furey also elaborated on his plan for a chief economic recovery officer, who Furey says will become a familiar face to the public as the job entails regular and transparent updates on the province’s fiscal situation.

When questioned as to why the province should take on an extra cost in such dire economic times, Furey explained how they’ll need all the advice they can get to ensure government is making the best decisions moving forward.

Furey also responded to comments made by Abbott, who called Fury’s plan to protect sports leagues from legal action should a participant become infected with COVID-19, “mind-boggling.”

Furey says not only were Abbott’s comments a personal attack against him as a doctor and a father, but he doesn’t believe it’s the style of politics Newfoundlanders and Labradorians want or need right now.

Furey says children’s health is paramount and is the top priority when leagues continue, but they need to protect the volunteers who run those leagues, too.

He says insurers are not going to cover volunteers sitting on those organizations for COVID-19 related liabilities, and so he thought it was good idea to support it as a government just like B.C, France and the U.K have done.