With the Fall session of the House of Assembly set to begin next week, MHA Sheilagh O’Leary (St. John’s East–Quidi Vidi) says tackling affordability and the rising cost of living will be a key focus, alongside pressing issues affecting people in her district.
As the cost of everything continues to rise, O’Leary says the NDP will continue pushing for measures that make life more affordable for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. While she is pleased the PCs followed through on the NDP’s call to start the energy rebate early, she says one measure is not enough. Tackling affordability requires ongoing action to help people keep up with the rising cost of living.
“This Fall session of the House of Assembly will be guided by the voices of my constituents, who have been calling and emailing my office over the past few months asking for concrete action on so many issues, but especially affordability. People are struggling, and it’s not just those on fixed incomes, although that certainly makes things harder,” said O’Leary. “Removing the HST from electricity and doubling the oil rebate are good starts, but they won’t fix this crisis. We need to focus on raising wages for all workers, achieving pay equity, and addressing the cost of housing, which is having a real impact on both renters and buyers in my district.”
“I’m excited to speak to the NDP private members’ motion on investigating grocery prices and finding ways to take away the stress and worry of being able to feed yourself and your family,” said O’Leary. “This isn’t about one measure. It’s about exploring a range of solutions that can work here, whether that’s public grocery stores, investing in local food production, or legislation to help food banks rescue more food. We want to find real solutions that make a difference for people.”
Alongside affordability, O’Leary says she will focus on two key issues affecting her district: pushing the government to establish a comprehensive climate action plan and strengthening the Historic Resources Act and regulations to better protect heritage properties across the province.
“Climate change is impacting residents in my district, and many are concerned about the lack of a plan and meaningful action. While we continue to hear the PCs prioritize oil and gas and the possibility of an AI data centre being built here, I hope they are taking climate change seriously. I will absolutely be asking the Minister what plans she has to address it,” said O’Leary.
“Of course, I will also continue to advocate for my constituents who are concerned about the loss of our heritage properties. We need to find ways to better protect these places, which are such an important part of our culture and history.”