FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 4, 2022

Statement by Honourable Peter Bevan-Baker, Leader of the Official Opposition on the need to develop an immediate strategy to address soaring inflation

This morning Islanders had a rude awakening with an historic leap in price of fuel. These are numbers we have never seen before.

During business at the Legislative Assembly today, the Leader of the Third Party asked for an emergency debate to immediately cut the provincial tax on fuel. Any debate and discussion that could lead to relief for all Islanders is welcome.

We need to address the full scope of the soaring costs of inflation. Islanders are feeling this at the grocery store, at the gas pumps, as they look at their monthly budget. Islanders need a robust response from government to slow and soften the rising cost of living.

Any plan must include a change in how we are doing business and how we are leading Islanders in a volatile and uncertain world.

We must include policies and supports that help all Islanders and businesses.

The soaring costs of living are hurting Islanders. We are asking government to implement truly progressive and beneficial policies that help more than just the wealthy.

For example, this year government will implement a carbon price plan that will further lead to higher prices at the pump. Given this fact, we have been advocating for years for a dividend policy for carbon taxes. Islanders must be given a carbon tax rebate cheque in hand to offset these costs.

Yet, for years, both the Liberals and Conservatives have railed against implementing our proposal which would leave most Islanders with more money in their pockets. And this government is signaling it is only willing to create a boutique basket of incentives that only benefit a few.

It’s time to give relief to all Islanders.

Honourable Peter Bevan-Baker, MLA
New Haven-Rocky Point
Leader of the Official Opposition