2016 Newfoundland and Labrador budget protests

Newfoundland and Labrador's location in Canada. Newfoundland is the island to the east of the Canadian mainland while Labrador is the region to the northwest of Newfoundland or northeast of Quebec.

The 2016 Newfoundland and Labrador budget protests are an ongoing series of protests in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.^[1] The protests are in opposition to the provincial budget proposed by Finance Minister Cathy Bennett which will implement tax-hikes and cuts to many public service jobs. The protests are a major part of the ongoing financial crisis in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Context

The courthouse in Harbour Grace will be one of the casualties of public-sector cuts.

Newfoundland and Labrador is one of Canada's oil-producing provinces and oil revenues account for a significant amount of the province's GDP. During the premiership of Danny Williams, oil prices were high and government spending increased. The province's public sector doubled in size while provincial government spending was 20-36% higher than most other provinces.^[2]

The recent drop in the price of oil has caused a deficit for the province and the government does not expect to see another surplus until 2022.^[3] The most recent provincial budget was unveiled by Finance Minister Cathy Bennett on April 14, 2016.^[4] More than 400 public-sector jobs will be cut, tax on gasoline will be doubled, sales tax will be increased and a "deficit-reduction levy" will be introduced. This levy is an additional tax that will be imposed on residents with an annual income between $49,500 and $72,000.

Lower Churchill Project

One of the most notable mega-projects by the province under Williams is the Lower Churchill Project, a hydroelectric project in central Labrador on the Churchill River.^[5] During Williams's premiership the project received lots of support from Newfoundlanders however it was much more controversial among Labradorians.^[6] The position on the project taken by the Nunatsiavut government was even supported by Amnesty International. The project is being developed by Nalcor Energy and Emera. Nalcor is a provincial crown corporation based in St. John's.

The project is currently behind schedule^[7] and despite the province's financial situation and the high costs of the project, it is expected to continue development.^[8]

Reaction to the budget

The budget has been very controversial since its unveiling.^[9][10]

Many notable people from the province have spoken out against the budget. Former Liberal Premier Roger Grimes criticized the introduction of the levy.^[11]

Several public and independent groups have formed in the province. These groups are motivated by the cyclical abuse, lack of democracy and mismanagement of state since Confederation with Canada.^[12]

The highly organized and functional groups or entities include; -Coordinated Approach -Mutual Aid -Free NL -Golden Arrow Community -Peoples Union -Peoples Assembly -Newfrownland.ca

Protests

Many protests by various organizations have taken place since April 2016.

Many former cabinet ministers under the Progressive Conservative government from 2003-15 have appeared at some protests (including former Premier Paul Davis) where they have often not been well received.^[19][20]

Notable protest locations

• Bell Island^[21]
• Bonavista^[22][23]
• Burin^[24]
• Clarenville^[25]
• Corner Brook^[26]
• Gambo^[27]
• Grand Falls-Windsor^[28]
• Happy Valley-Goose Bay^[29]
• Harbour Grace^[30]
• King's Cove^[31]
• Portugal Cove-St. Philip's^[32]
• Ramea^[33]
• St. John's^[34][35]
• Swift Current^[36]
• Wabush^[37]
• Woody Point^[38]

References