
For Immediate Release
October 30, 2024
NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) expressed concern today following the provincial government’s Fall Fiscal Update, saying it confirms that our economy is stagnant and not working for people.
“We see little changes here and there, but overall things are the same,” said Dinn. “In August, the Minister of Finance gave an economic update to the province saying the economy was ‘stable with a strong outlook for the future.’ I hope this update isn’t the strong outlook she is referring to.”
He says the update reflects stagnant economic growth and missed opportunities to address key issues like affordability. He says the official unemployment rate may be low, but notes many people work minimum wage jobs that don’t pay a living wage. Three-quarters of the provincial population live paycheque to paycheque, according to the CCPA.
Dinn questions how people are supposed to contribute to our economy if they are paying a disproportionately large percentage of their income on rent. Dinn says successive governments have neglected to invest in community.
“Government has no plan to put more money into people’s pockets to make their lives more affordable. They clearly have no idea of the realities people face,” he said.
“Housing starts are up, yet we still have people living in tents. We have the longest wait times for mental health counseling in the country. Food banks struggle to keep food shelved for those who need it, many of which are children.
“Imagine what a strong outlook our economy would have if we invested in people and communities.”
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
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