Close X
Monday, November 18, 2024
ADVT 
National

Andrew Furey sworn in as N.L. premier

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 19 Aug, 2020 07:22 PM
  • Andrew Furey sworn in as N.L. premier

Andrew Furey has been sworn in as premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The surgeon and charity CEO from a political family was elected Liberal leader Aug. 3 and will replace Dwight Ball to become the 14th premier of the province.

Furey, the son of Senate Speaker George Furey, was sworn in during a ceremony at Government House in St. John's this morning.

The new premier, who has never held public office and does not have a seat in the provincial legislature, will take questions at a news conference later today.

Furey will inherit a troubling financial situation in Newfoundland and Labrador, with officials attributing a $2.1-billion deficit to falling oil prices and pandemic-related spending.

The new premier will face the likelihood of rising electricity rates due to cost overruns from the Muskrat Falls dam and will have to manage a struggling offshore oil and gas industry.

Furey's father, his extended family and his business partners, Alan Doyle and Brendan Paddick, were among the guests gathered at the outdoor ceremony. The new premier spoke about the province's imminent challenges.

"We all know the toughest decisions lie ahead," Furey said.

He said he's optimistic about the province's potential despite the fact, he said, some have suggested his new job is like "being made captain of the Titanic after hitting an iceberg."

"COVID, unfortunately, has hit us at a time when our economy is also on its knees," Furey said. "But this is also a moment at which we can take a hard look at where we are and see it through the lens of where we want to go."

He said he wants to move away from a "boom and bust" economy and to listen to expertise around the province before making governing decisions.

"I call on our brightest minds to take a seat at the table," he said. "Help us redefine ourselves."

Lt.-Gov. Judy Foote addressed the crowd with brief remarks about the need for strong leadership and collaboration to help the province reach its full potential.

"Premier Furey, you know about leadership having held many roles where it was required," Foote said. "Leadership and teamwork."

"You now have another opportunity to continue to do both, where I dare say you will be watched much more closely because of the impact your leadership will have on our province and our people."

The premier must win a legislative seat within the next twelve months. He has indicated he does not plan to call an election before the end of 2020 and that he intends to run for the next seat that becomes available.

Ball won a minority government in 2019. There are currently 20 Liberal members in the legislature, 15 Progressive Conservatives, three New Democrats and two Independents.

The former premier will keep his seat in the Humber-Grose Morne district for the time being.

MORE National ARTICLES

Justin Trudeau says he'll take COVID-19 antibody test once available

Justin Trudeau says he'll take COVID-19 antibody test once available
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday that once there's a test widely available to see who has had COVID-19, he'll take it. Trudeau was exposed to the novel coronavirus earlier this year via his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, who likely contracted it during a trip to England. The prime minister never showed any symptoms.

Justin Trudeau says he'll take COVID-19 antibody test once available

Two seriously hurt in early morning stabbings along a busy Vancouver street

Two seriously hurt in early morning stabbings along a busy Vancouver street
Two people were hurt in a violent stabbing attack on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside early Tuesday, police said. An emailed statement from Const. Tania Visintin said police responded to an assault in the area of Hastings Street and Gore Avenue at around 6 a.m.

Two seriously hurt in early morning stabbings along a busy Vancouver street

Three time hockey gold medalist, Indian sports legend Balbir Singh Sr passes away at the age of 95

Three time hockey gold medalist, Indian sports legend Balbir Singh Sr passes away at the age of 95
A sad day for the world of sports and an outpouring of emotional tributes for Indian hockey great Balbir Singh Sr who gave India its only World Cup til date in 1975. A three time gold medalist and one of best hockey players of his time is being deeply missed in Canada, India, and around the world.

Three time hockey gold medalist, Indian sports legend Balbir Singh Sr passes away at the age of 95

BC's Health Minister Adrian Dix gives us the latest on COVID-19

BC's Health Minister Adrian Dix gives us the latest on COVID-19
Darpan's social media host Ish Sharma spoke to BC Health Minister Adrian Dix regarding testing for COVID19, PPE shortage, opening of schools, long term care home outbreaks, and cancellation of surgeries. 

BC's Health Minister Adrian Dix gives us the latest on COVID-19

Missing South Asian senior 88 year old man found dead in a wooded area in Delta

Missing South Asian senior 88 year old man found dead in a wooded area in Delta
Missing South Asian senior 88 year old Jarnail Sanghera who was last on May 15th found dead Sunday Night. According to Delta police in the tweet below his body was found in a wooded aread off Swenson & Nordel way. 

Missing South Asian senior 88 year old man found dead in a wooded area in Delta

Liberal offer on sick leave good start, but action needed: NDP

Liberal offer on sick leave good start, but action needed: NDP
Jagmeet Singh says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's promise to work with provinces to give workers paid sick leave is a good start, but more action is needed before federal New Democrats will agree to suspend full sittings of the House of Commons through the summer.

Liberal offer on sick leave good start, but action needed: NDP