Times Colonist

Doctor next premier of Newfoundla­nd

- HOLLY MCKENZIE-SUTTER

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — A doctor from a political family will take office for the first time as Newfoundla­nd and Labrador premier, stepping into the job as the financiall­y troubled province reels from the impacts of the pandemic and falling oil prices.

Andrew Furey was announced the winner of the provincial Liberal party leadership on Monday night. The 45-year-old surgeon and charity founder beat out John Abbott in the contest to replace Premier Dwight Ball.

In his victory speech, Furey called on the province’s residents to stand together through the difficult times ahead.

“Your passion and strength are needed now more than ever before in our history,” he said.

The son of Senate Speaker George Furey said overcoming the province’s economic crisis is not a short-term propositio­n, and he warned of unspecifie­d “tough decisions” that will have to be made.

“Make no mistake, the path will not be easy, but I can say that things will be done differentl­y,” Furey said. “The status quo no longer works, and quite frankly we can’t afford it any more. We must get away from that wellworn path of boom and bust and back again.”

The celebratio­n at the St. John’s Convention Centre was subdued. Just 50 people were allowed at the convention because of COVID-19 health restrictio­ns, including party officials, media and other staff.

After his speech, Furey addressed the stark fiscal situation he’s set to inherit as Newfoundla­nd and Labrador’s 14th premier. The province reported a $2.1-billion deficit in a fiscal update last month, an increase of $1.35 billion since last year’s budget.

Furey called the figure “overwhelmi­ng,” but he pointed to tough economic times in the province’s past and to jurisdicti­ons around the world that are spending heavily to deal with the pandemic.

 ??  ?? Dr. Andrew Furey gives a speech at the St. John’s Convention Centre on Monday.
Dr. Andrew Furey gives a speech at the St. John’s Convention Centre on Monday.

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