A year well done, says Tourism Minister
By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiatives Reporter
Carbonear–Trinity–Bay de Verde MHA Steve Crocker says 2024 was a successful year for him and his constituents, politically.
“There have been a lot of achievements from my role as tourism minister, but also my role as MHA for the district,” said Crocker. “And they normally cross paths, quite frankly, because obviously any achievement that, in the broader sense, we have as a government is also an achievement that translates very well for the people I represent.”
Topping Crocker’s list was the refurbishing of the Newfoundland National War Memorial and repatriation of the Unknown Soldier. He described it as the highlight of his career, and said it touched many people around the province, adding many individuals from his district have served in the military.
Crocker said 2024’s Year of the Arts was another successful initiative. The economic impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on the province’s artistic community was severe, he explained, and artists and performers were some of the last people to recover financially. He described the Year of the Arts as an opportunity to “not only celebrate our artists, but as well find ways to help strengthen them coming out of COVID.”
Still on the economic side, Crocker cited the new Churchill Falls agreement as a big achievement for the government, asserting the deal’s impact will last for generations.
“Two hundred and twenty-seven billion dollars direct over the next 50 years starting January 1st changes everything for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and the people I represent,” said Crocker. That’s money that will help improve healthcare, infrastructure, and bring jobs to the province, he added.
Regarding goals for this new year, Crocker said there is still work to be done with the cost of living, and improvements to be made to healthcare.
“Healthcare will always be a priority of mine when it comes to the people I represent,” said Crocker, commending the healthcare facilities in Carbonear and Old Perlican.
Crocker is also anticipating a smoother fishery in 2025, arguing it is still an “important piece of the fabric of the district.”
Crocker noted 2025 will be the Year of Sport in Newfoundland and Labrador, and that St. John’s will host the Canada Summer Games next year.
“Young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from all across the province will have the opportunity to compete in the Canada Summer Games but even more importantly, compete on home turf,” he said.
As for his intentions should there be a provincial election this year, the 10-year veteran of the legislature confirmed his name will be on the ballot.