The following statement was issued today by the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Rate mitigation is the most important issue facing Newfoundland and Labrador, and it continues to be a top priority for my government. Today, Prime Minister Trudeau and I met to advance our discussions on rate mitigation as we both recognize the significance of these conversations to the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Prime Minister has shown his unwavering support for our province, and he is committed to ensuring electricity rates do not double. Together, we are working on a bundle of options to protect residents from the cost impacts of Muskrat Falls.

We discussed Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing natural resource development; how we have positioned our province globally as a preferred location for oil and gas, and the development of our many other natural resources including mining, forestry, and the fishery.

I also valued the productive discussion on social issues of importance, including pharmacare. There is a role for the Federal Government to play as Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial demographics are changing with an aging population and a high percentage of chronic disease. This is an opportunity for all Canadians as we are seeing a growing demand on pharamacare across the country. I look forward to further discussions on pharmacare with all of Canada’s premiers in Toronto on Monday, December 2.

My positive working relationship with Prime Minister Trudeau continues, and I look forward to advancing the many issues of importance to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as we create a province that is the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

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Media contact
Geoff Higdon
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
geoffhigdon@gov.nl.ca