Latest news with #JimDinn
CBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CBC
N.L. government doesn't understand true level of child-care demand, NDP leader says
Political opposition in Newfoundland and Labrador says the government is letting child-care operators down by not communicating updates for months, while NDP Leader Jim Dinn says it shows the province doesn't understand the overall need for care. "I can't help but think that the main reason for these delays is because they know they don't have the funding for it, and they're slowing it down and frustrating the people who are trying to move this forward," Dinn told CBC News Thursday. Dinn's comments follow reporting from CBC News that at least three prospective daycare operators feel bogged down in bureaucracy. They've heard radio silence from the provincial government for months in some cases, waiting for updates about when they can receive the funding they've applied for. Newfoundland and Labrador's 2025 budget allocated $3.9 million for the creation of new $10-a-day child-care spaces, but advocates have said that isn't enough. One advocate told CBC News earlier this week that amount of money would only fully cover about five projects. "In the execution of it, it's really disappointing to parents, and to organizations that are trying to create these spaces," Dinn said. "I don't think government fully appreciated the demand that was there, and they didn't fund it appropriately." WATCH | Delays operators face are 'alarming and fustrating': NDP, PCs blast 'alarming and frustrating' months-long wait by daycare operators trying to open new centres 23 minutes ago Duration 2:05 PC Leader Tony Wakeham and NDP Leader Jim Dinn say the Liberal government should have to answer to firm deadlines when considering applications for daycare centres. Several operators say they have everything lined up — except approval from the provincial government. The CBC's Heather Gillis reports. Tony Wakeham, leader of the Official Opposition, said the fact that operators looking to open $10-a-day spaces are facing government-created barriers is alarming. "They face enough barriers when it comes to financing, when it comes to staff. The last thing they need is a Liberal government saying, 'No, we're not going to respond on a timely basis.' Or, they haven't responded on a timely basis," Wakeham said. "I wrote the minister a week ago about these issues. I have not even gotten a response back." Wakeham said the issue also translates to other problem areas — specifically noting health care. A lack of child care in an area of the province, especially in rural areas, can keep communities from being able to recruit the health-care professionals they need, he said. He wants to see better timelines established and a more frequent update schedule that can keep parties seeking funding informed on their status. Dinn said he'd want to see the $3.9 million allocated for the creation of spaces increased to reflect the true demand for child care, and believes child care will be a key election issue this fall. "If we want to encourage families to make Newfoundland and Labrador their home, to move beyond the city, then we've got to make sure that there's an investment there," Dinn said. "If our children are our most valuable resource, and I hear that from government as well, than put the money into it. They're just as deserving of that investment as oil companies." CBC News has asked Education Minister Bernard Davis for an interview on the matter, but Davis isn't answering questions.
CBC
22-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
After 6 years in the House of Assembly, Jordan Brown is bowing out of politics
After six years in political office, one of only two NDP members of the House of Assembly says he is not seeking re-election. Labrador West MHA Jordan Brown made the announcement in a statement Friday afternoon. "This wasn't an easy decision. It's been an incredible privilege to stand in the House of Assembly and advocate for Labrador West," he wrote. "Over Easter, my family and I had a long conversation. I thought about how I was elected at 30 — now I'm 36." Brown, who was first elected in 2019 and then re-elected in 2021, says he's proud of what he accomplished in his six years in office. He also thanked his wife and young children, who he says he wants to spend more time with. "I've always tried to take a practical approach to politics, and I'm proud of what we've achieved together," he wrote. "That includes pushing for improvements to the [medical travel assistance] program, raising the alarm about the lack of housing for seniors, and fighting to get an addictions treatment centre in Labrador." Brown says he will stay on as the member for Labrador West until the election is called, which has to happen by mid-October. He also thanked NDP Leader Jim Dinn — the only other NDP MHA in the province — for his leadership and the support he's shown to the people of Labrador. "We may have been a small caucus, but we packed a punch, and I know you'll keep that going. Support for New Democrats keeps growing, and it's been amazing to witness," Brown wrote. Dinn says he respects Brown's decision to step away from politics and will continue to advocate for the people of Labrador. "Working with Jordan has been a great experience, and while it's hard to see him go, I can only thank him for the work he has done advocating for the people of Labrador West," Dinn said in a party statement. "We hope that this will not be the last that we see of Jordan Brown in politics. And, of course, I look forward to our future fishing trips."
CBC
22-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Jordan Brown says he has confidence in NDP's future as he reflects on his political career
Even though he's planning to walk away from politics, Labrador West MHA Jordan Brown says he will always be a New Democrat. He was only 30 years old when he was elected to the House of Assembly in 2019 and then re-elected in 2021. On Friday he announced he is not running in the next provincial election, which has to happen by mid-October. Brown, now 36 with a young family, says the plane rides, hotel stays and time away from home has been difficult. "I have young kids at home that, you know, they're calling me and saying, you know, 'Dad, I did this. Dad, I did that today,'" he told reporters on Tuesday. "It does take a toll on an individual." Brown is one of two NDP MHAs in Newfoundland and Labrador, the other being party leader Jim Dinn, but he says his decision has nothing to do with the party's small presence in the House of Assembly. Brown says it's Dinn's leadership that makes him confident of the party's future. "He understands the situation in my district," he told CBC Radio's Labrador Morning. "With the housing crisis in this province and the addictions and mental health issues that are going on, you know that there's a certain kind of caring hand that needs to be out there." Brown believes the sense of compassion within the party will continue to grow under Dinn. In July of 2024, Torngat Mountains MHA Lela Evans left the NDP caucus to rejoin Progressive Conservatives, bringing the NDP's presence in the House of Assembly back to two. In his six years holding political office, Brown says he's proud residents of his district saw a more efficient medical travel assistance program and the Wabush portion of the highway was paved. "We've managed to secure power for the future of Labrador West." But he says there's still work to be done. For one, the outgoing MHA says he would have liked to see more progress on seniors' housing construction and wants to see it move forward before he leaves office. Brown hopes the next Labrador West MHA is someone who is there for everyone. "Make sure that you're available and you're present when they need help," he said Wednesday.
CBC
04-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Opposition leaders want to see change with new Liberal leadership
The provincial Liberals elected John Hogan as the party's new leader and N.L.'s premier-designate on Saturday. Opposition leaders Jim Dinn and Tony Wakeham remain hesitant that new Liberal leadership alone will make real change for the province.
CBC
10-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
NDP calls on N.L. government to eliminate HST on all home heating
Skyrocketing power bills from Newfoundland's only utility company has NDP Leader Jim Dinn looking to the past for a solution. Dinn says people are struggling with the sudden spike of their electricity bills, following reports of some Newfoundland Power bills more than doubling. "One constituent of mine, who heats their home and hot water with oil and only uses electricity for her fridge, stove and lights has seen her bill triple," Dinn said on Monday."Others are sitting in the dark, lighting candles, calling on blankets to keep warm and choosing between food, their mortgage or their electric bill." Taking a page from the PC government's 2012 playbook, Dinn is asking the current provincial government to re-enact the residential energy rebate, which introduced an eight per cent rebate on electricity and heating fuel — eliminating the harmonized sales tax. "Removing the provincial portion of the HST from all forms of home heating, something that has been done before, would go a long way to help people struggling to heat their homes," Dinn said. 'Not possible' But Finance Minister Siobhan Coady says removing HST from home heating is not possible. She says that's a federal responsibility. "The province of Newfoundland and Labrador doesn't have much control, if any control, on what is included in HST," Coady said. Dinn maintains that HST can be removed with a push from the province. "Not only is she not going to ask them, she's not interested in asking," he said. "It can be done if there's a political will to do so. But the minister has indicated that they have no political will to do so." Cold weather, high winds Glenda Power, spokesperson for Newfoundland Power, told CBC News cold temperatures and high winds contribute substantially to power usage, as heating systems have to work harder to maintain a steady temperature within the home. She says complaints about increased power usage are common during winter, and customers don't pay for power they don't use. "Increased usage doesn't mean you've turned your thermostat up," Power told CBC News on Monday. The Public Utilities Board has asked Newfoundland Power to file a report on how it ensures the accuracy of meter readings and investigate whether billing errors could have occurred given a high volume of complaints to the board. The PUB expects Newfoundland Power's findings to be reported to the board by March 21.
