While Wakeham’s government passed their first budget last evening, NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) and NDP MHA Sheilagh O’Leary (St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi) voted against it, highlighting the lack of meaningful action to lower the cost of living for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
As the cost of food, housing, gas, home heating, and medications continues to skyrocket, this budget fails to deliver the immediate relief Newfoundlanders and Labradorians desperately need. Many of the measures announced are either stagnant, inadequate, or delayed until next year, offering little help to families struggling right now. People will not see more money in their pockets and will continue to bear the weight of rising economic pressures. That is why Dinn and O’Leary voted against this budget – because it does not meaningfully help the people in their districts.
“When the budget was released, I called it a missed opportunity, and that remains true when I look at the struggles facing the people I represent,” said Dinn. “There has been little meaningful action on housing, whether it’s building more public housing or implementing rent controls to help renters facing soaring costs. I see no real action to improve healthcare or make it easier for people to access the care they need. Investments in education are lacking, the cost of living continues to rise, and people are being left behind. I couldn’t support this budget, because this budget doesn’t support the people of St. John’s Centre.”
“The people of St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi deserve a budget that ensures they can afford the basics, access reliable health care, and build a secure future,” said O’Leary. “Instead, this budget leaves seniors calling my office worried about affording essential medication, families fearing eviction while working multiple jobs just to stay afloat, and young people concerned for their future in this province. They needed decisive action – and this is not it.”
An NDP budget that puts people first would have included:
- HST of all forms of home heating, HST off children’s clothes, footwear, car seats.
- A Guaranteed Basic Livable Income pilot program.
- Rent control, building more non-market homes, increase the First Time Home Buyers Program.
- Pay equity, sick days and pensions for ECEs, increase in minimum wage.