Stung by byelection loss, Furey has strong words for Trudeau and carbon tax

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey says a number of factors could have played into the Fogo Island-Cape Freels district going from red to blue in Monday's byelection — including views on the federal carbon tax.

Progressive Conservative candidate Jim McKenna took 58 per cent of the vote in Monday's byelection, defeating Liberal candidate Dana Blackmore and NDP candidate Jim Gill. The byelection was called after Liberal MHA Derrick Bragg died in January.

"Not the result that we wanted, but we heard the message from the wonderful people of that district, and we'll continue to work very hard with them and listening to them to regain their trust," Furey said Tuesday.

PC Leader Tony Wakeham said the election showed residents aren't happy with the cost of living in the province, including the federally implemented carbon tax.

Furey, who has also been vocal in opposing the tax, was asked if Tuesday it could have played a role in affecting people's views of the provincial party.

"On the carbon tax in particular, the prime minister has tried to bait me at times with certain ad hominems and name-calling, almost. But look, we have a very different opinion on the carbon tax. It's not right for the people of the province right now," he said.

"I wish the prime minister would understand that. He's being very sclerotic in his approach on this ideologic marriage that he has to this principle. That's not to say that we don't believe in fighting climate change. We certainly do, but this policy is wrong."

Furey said other factors could have played into the loss, like the recent protests at Confederation Building tied to fisher harvesters' wish to sell to outside buyers and get a better deal for snow crab.

"It is largely a fishing district and we all know that there was significant anxiety and stress with respect to the start of the crab season," he said.

"Even though a lot of that was outside government's control, often governments bear the brunt of those feelings and emotions."

NDP Leader Jim Dinn said he believes the win shows that Liberal support is dropping, and said there's been a "lack of any meaningful action" to address key issues despite numerous government committees and task forces.

One byelection remains, for voters in the district of Baie Verte-Green Bay. Liberal MHA Brian Warr announced his resignation in February.

Furey said he doesn't believe the loss is a sign of things to come, since the party won another byelection in the district of Conception Bay East-Bell Island earlier this year.

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