Picking a premier: Abbott, Hogan square off in CBC's Liberal leadership debate
40-minute debate stays cordial with discussion on healthcare, spending and more
Newfoundland and Labrador's Liberal leadership hopefuls made their pitches to the people as to why they should lead the province into the future on Wednesday night.
John Abbott and John Hogan kept a cordial affair over the 40-minute CBC News debate, rarely challenging each other in their policies or comments.
A leader — and Newfoundland and Labrador's next premier — will be decided on May 3.
While several topics were covered, here's where the candidates stand on a few issues top of mind for voters.
Affordability and fiscal discipline
The cost of living is rising in Newfoundland and Labrador, and both candidates say it's necessary to closely monitor spending while making sure people can afford to live in the province.
Abbott brought forward more new ideas, speaking of his desire to implement a targeted basic income plan for seniors and the need to reign in record spending and a record deficit.
"The first thing we have to do, though, is stop running up further deficits. And that is something I am committed to," Abbott said.
"I've always balanced the budget [in my departments]. We require municipalities to balance their budget, we need to do that here at the provincial level."
Hogan took a more bureaucratic approach, outlining what government has already done to reduce taxes on things like gasoline and insurance.
"That's little bits here and there, but it does all add up toward decreasing costs for families and for individuals in this province," Hogan said.
He also prioritized the creation of new ministries within government for seniors and families to make sure those groups are especially supported.
"Affordability has been, and is still, an issue. I know the cost of groceries, I know the cost of gas, I know the cost of having children. And part of that restructuring … will be having a minister who focuses on families and their needs and what's important to them."
Both candidates also spoke to the need for affordable housing. Hogan said his government would prioritize helping seniors age in place while continuing efforts to expand affordable housing projects in the province.
Abbott said he is committed to the creation of 10,000 new housing units by 2030 with an emphasis on the creation of affordable housing.
Health care
On the topic of health care, Hogan said he would continue to use Health Accord N.L. — a 10-year plan already in motion to revamp and reimagine the health-care system — as a guiding light in the coming years.
"It's going to take time to rebuild the system," he said.
"We're a couple of years into that right now. And I can tell you that while people still are struggling with health care and everybody doesn't have access to primary health care and emergency wait times still are a little bit too long for people's liking, the trends are going in the right direction. And we need to continue to focus on these trends."
Hogan added there is already substantial money in the health-care system, but it's important to ensure the province sticks to its health accord plan.
Abbott said his time in government and on the campaign trail has shown him where improvements need to be made — and is prepared to acknowledge shortfalls.
"People are paying their taxes, and they need the services that they're paying for," he said.
"My role then as premier will make sure we hold the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services to account for improved outcomes. We know how we can compare with other provinces, and we do poorly on many fronts. And there's no reason for that."
Churchill Falls
Hand in hand with fiscal discipline came talk of the new Churchill Falls agreement with Québec, which could earn the province $1 billion a year over the next 17 years and create several opportunities for growth.
Abbott has combed through the deal, and said his job as premier would be to see that all of the elements of the deal come to fruition.
"I have full faith and confidence in the negotiating team," he said. "If there is or are red flags that come up through this process over the next year, if we can't resolve them at the negotiating table, I have to pick up the phone, talk to the premier of Quebec, and make sure we iron those out. If not, we stop until they are."
Hogan said the province has to get the deal right — and he's prepared to make sure the province gets the best deal possible.
"As attorney general, I had a lot of input into the [memorandum of understanding]. I understand the MOU," he said.
"The Churchill River is a tremendous resource for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, but we've had two strikes. The original Upper Churchill contract … and of course, Muskrat Falls was severely over budget. This is the last opportunity, we can't afford a third strike."
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With files from Here & Now
