Parsons defends Liberals’ record, promises more of the same for district

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As the two main political parties seem to be outracing each other when it comes to making spending promises, Liberal incumbent Pam Parsons said she trusts her leader, John Hogan, to make such announcements.

Parsons is defending the seat in Harbour Grace-Port de Grave district she has held for 10 years from PC Walter Yetman, a small businessman and former mayor of Bay Roberts.

Parsons said the Liberal government has been taking steps to cut the cost of living where possible — for example, by removing some provincial taxes and halving the cost of motor vehicle registration reduced. She is also touting her record in the district, including the opening of a new school, Bay Roberts Primary, in 2021

“We got the main stretch of Bay Roberts, Route 70, pave,” said Parsons. “We got Harvey Street done in Harbour Grace, which is a big one. I was just happy to make a big announcement of $4 million for the Southside of Harbour Grace for water and sewer Phase One.”

Parsons said she is not only dedicated to big-scale projects, but also the concerns of people who reach out to her. “The only promise I can make, and any politician can make, is that you’ll do your best and you’ll be transparent, and you’ll listen to your constituents,” she said.

On the topic of the provincial deficit, the size of which seems to depend on who you ask, Parsons defended Finance Minister’s Siobhán Coady’s juggling of the numbers, which include revenues from a future Tobacco lawsuit expected to be received in future years which she is counting as money coming in today, a piece of financial finagling that has raised the eyebrows of critics.

Parsons said the government has to borrow so much and spend so much on debt servicing because of mismanaged projects such as the former PC government’s Muskrat Falls project, adding people want and need healthcare, schools, roads and other services. 

“And people want to know that the future, our future, is secure,” said Parsons. “So Premier (Andrew) Furey created the Future Fund, and that’s something that we’re also investing in.” 

As for the proposed new deal on Churchill Falls power to be developed by Quebec, Parsons said the memorandum of understanding is non-binding until April 2026. 

“So, there’s time and there’s ongoing debate,” she said. “The experts are the ones negotiating, not politicians. Politicians are not experts in this. We have the brightest and the best who are at the table negotiating on our behalf… I am confident that our premier and our cabinet and caucus will not be signing on to a deal that is not beneficial, a million percent, or Newfoundland and Labrador first and foremost.”

Parsons said that under the terms of the deal, Quebec is taking all the financial risk and if profits go up for Hydro Quebec, they go up for this province too. Newfoundland and Labrador workers will also get priority for the construction jobs, she maintained. 

“So, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will never have to leave again, those rotational workers, should they choose to have those good, high-paying jobs here,” Parsons said.

Asked about the record rate of immigration, which her government has encouraged the past few years, and its effect on the unemployment rate and housing costs, Parsons said Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have to come first.

But, Parsons added, this province has a small, aging population and we need people to work the jobs that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians do not want to do. 

As for health care, Parsons said it is getting better, though she admitted getting to see a doctor is difficult.

“Once you get in, the care that we receive is second to none, based on my own experience,” she said. 

Parsons said she has confidence in Dr. Patrick Parfrey, the CEO of NL Health Services who has been tasked with improving the system. “Everybody may not see it, but change is happening,” she said. 

Getting back to the needs of her own district, Parsons said the high cost of living is a concern. She said the Liberal government has implemented cost-cutting measures to help people, but there are always ways to be creative. Roads are another focus, as are electricity bills, and access to family doctors. 

“Any item or topic that anybody brings to my attention, I will always advocate on their behalf and be that voice,” said Parsons.