Liberals make broad promises with fourth plank of five-point platform

At a campaign stop in Hermitage on Friday, Liberal Leader Dwight Ball unveiled the fourth plank of his party's five-point platform, with a focus on empowering communities around the province.

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"People have asked me for four years, make sure you include us," said Ball.

"We want to be open, we want to be transparent, we want to be accountable. One of the ways to do that is engage them in those processes. They want that."

Ball said the fifth plank, and the party's full platform — including costing — will be released Sunday.

Paved highways, clean water

The fourth plank spans a broad range of issues, from the environment to justice to social services.

The Liberals promised to expand the family violence intervention court and make it mandatory to report child deaths to the province's Child and Youth Advocate.

Some of the plank deals with reviewing select government practices the Liberals say impact communities, such as reviewing the Municipal Assessments Act, the way it sells crown land, and create a province-wide water quality action plan.

The Liberals also pledged early tendering for road construction, finish paving the Trans-Labrador Highway, and to consult with aboriginal leaders as to whether to extend it to Labrador's north coast. 

"Whether it's addressing concerns around property taxes, safe drinking water, environmental protection and community services, or the repair of our roads, we are committed to doing things better," wrote the Liberal Party in a release.

Prior planks

The announcement follows three prior plank announcements.

• Gender equity part of Liberal election platform

• Seniors centre of attention in Liberal health care plan

• Dwight Ball reveals economic policy

In those, the Liberals said they have been focused on restoring openness, accountability, and transparency; improving health and healthcare; and building a stronger, smarter economy.

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