Opposition reacts to premier’s update
Posted Feb 12, 2015 08:30:10 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The premier promised real structural changes to the government in his state of the province update, but the opposition isn’t buying it.
PC MLA Tim Houston said he wants to see less talk and more action.
“It’s nice to hear the premier talk about making bold changes, but we could have heard the same speech last year,” said Houston.
Houston said easing up on regulations and letting the private sector create jobs are good ideas, but he questioned why, with McNeil’s strong majority government, he hasn’t started implementing them.
“Great leaders don’t stand up and say all the wonderful things they’re going to do some day, they actually do them,” he said.
Houston wonders if McNeil is watching the polls, afraid to upset the electorate.
McNeil said some of his government’s upcoming decisions may not be popular, but they are necessary.
He boasted that his government has finally taken back control for patients across the province.
NDP MLA Maureen MacDonald said she doesn’t like message the premier is sending to organized labour.
“I think he’s sending a very strong message to the unionized workforce and the public sector, that they can expect a significant change to their wages and benefits,” said MacDonald.
McNeil told the Halifax Chamber of Commerce that the government doesn’t plan to reduce taxes in the budget because it can’t afford a loss in revenues, Chamber president Valerie Payn said that isn’t ideal, but said she understands the decision.
“We need to get our debt and deficit under control before we can ever consider that,” said Payn.
Payn was happy with McNeil’s message that the government would be loosening up regulations for business, and especially when it comes to interprovincial trade.
“It’s onerous to have different rules and regulations every time you cross over that invisible border between Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick etc.,” said Payn.
McNeil said after his speech, he’s made a deal with New Brunswick premier Brian Gallant, more details will be announced at his government’s upcoming budget.
