NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn Calls for People-First Approach Following Affordability Town Halls in Central NL

NL NDP
4 days ago
2 min read

For Immediate Release

July 21, 2025

NL NDP Leader and MHA for St. John’s Centre, Jim Dinn, held town halls on affordability last week in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor. His takeaway was clear: the solutions exist — what’s missing is the political will to lead with a people-first approach.

“At these town halls, people spoke with urgency and conviction,” said Dinn. “They’re tired of a government that makes decisions in isolation, completely out of touch with the real, daily struggles of working families, seniors, and those living on fixed incomes. The status quo is failing, and people know it. They’re not asking for the moon—they’re asking for a government that listens, understands, and acts. It’s time for real change.”

Residents raised real, actionable solutions, from expanding public transit to ensure people can get around their communities without relying on a car, to investing in public, non-market housing to ease the affordability crisis.

“What we need is clear: non-market, community-led, deeply affordable housing. That’s what an NDP government would prioritize,” Dinn said. “We can’t let the private market keep driving up costs unchecked. Government must step in—regulate where needed, and lead with public solutions. People are asking for leadership that puts their well-being ahead of corporate profits. That’s what the NDP is offering.

“People are desperate for real change, for a government that puts their needs ahead of the wealthy and well-connected,” said Dinn. “It’s time to stop funneling public money into private profits, whether it’s in housing, healthcare, or other essential services. Government should be investing in people, not propping up broken systems that only benefit the few.”

Participants also highlighted the essential role of non-profits, who are already leading in areas like housing, safety, and social support. “Government needs to stop treating non-profits like afterthoughts. They need stable, long-term funding, proper staffing, and a real seat at the decision-making table,” Dinn said.

“In every conversation I had last week, one thing stood out: the strength of community. Neighbours are doing what they can to keep each other afloat, but that shouldn’t be the only safety net. If government took a people-first approach to their decision making, we’d be a much healthier, fairer, and more prosperous province.”

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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