Premier Tony Wakeham says the federal budget raises more questions than answers

The Atlantic Fisheries Fund and jobs at DFO are potentially on the chopping block and the Premier says “If Ottawa is going to continue to reject our requests to jointly manage the fishery, then they need to be able to make the case that they are doing their job.

Premier Tony Wakeham says Tuesday’s federal budget unfortunately raises far more questions than answers when it comes to whether or not it will benefit people in this province. Wakeham says “a brief mention of Churchill Falls and Gull Island is not the same as a commitment to invest in our province,” highlighting concern about the lack of NL projects in the nation building list. The Atlantic Fisheries Fund and jobs at DFO are potentially on the chopping block and the Premier says “If Ottawa is going to continue to reject our requests to jointly manage the fishery, then they need to be able to make the case that they are doing their job. Cutting DFO does not send a positive message to our fishing industry.” 

However, Wakeham says with an openness to removing the emissions cap, it could be good news for the oil and gas sector. He says with large dollar amounts committed for infrastructure and defence spending, he trusts  the feds will get a fair share of this national spending. Wakeham plans to travel to Ottawa later this month to meet with Ministers on issues important here and their plans on investment in NL.