Liberal Leader John Hogan commenced the final full week of campaigning by proposing the establishment of a new major projects office to streamline bureaucratic processes. Hogan emphasized the need to coordinate and simplify existing bureaucracy by collaborating with various government departments and federal entities to facilitate provincially-designated major projects like the Churchill Falls agreement, oil and gas initiatives, hydrogen development, and mining ventures.
Hogan assured that the new office would mainly comprise current government personnel and have a minimal impact on the budget. He also pledged that a re-elected Liberal government would prioritize hiring protocols for construction projects related to the Churchill Falls MOU, similar to those planned for Gull Island, focusing on Innu Nation members, residents of Labrador, Newfoundland residents, and then Canadians at large.
Furthermore, Hogan vowed unwavering advocacy and support for the oil and gas industry, pledging to continue the commitment of allocating $90 million over three years to an offshore exploration fund. In alignment with Alberta’s government, Hogan advocated for the removal of the federal greenhouse gas emissions cap, citing the comparatively lower environmental impact of oil produced in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Meanwhile, the New Democratic Party (NDP) reintroduced a proposal to eliminate the provincial portion of HST from all home heating bills if elected. NDP Leader Jim Dinn expressed disappointment that a similar motion was previously rejected in the House of Assembly. Dinn emphasized the significance of this tax cut for residents, illustrating the struggles faced by individuals like Sherie Hollahan, who highlighted the escalating costs of heating homes and the relief the tax cut would bring to working families.
The tax cut proposed by the NDP would encompass electricity, propane, oil, and wood, resulting in a yearly revenue loss of $68 million. On the other hand, the Progressive Conservatives did not address this issue in their announcements, indicating no intention to reduce the provincial portion of HST from home heating but emphasizing a plan to permanently reduce the gasoline tax.
