ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — John Abbott says it’s time for Newfoundland and Labrador to face the truth of its fiscal situation head on.
Abbott, a former deputy minister and president of the Canadian Mental Health Association, launched his bid for leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s on Thursday.
“These have been troubled days and even troubled years for our province. People are worried and angry at times about government inaction. There’s a level of frustration and at times even hopelessness,” Abbott said in his announcement speech.
“We need a leader, a premier, who’s prepared to tell it like it is, who has the experience, skills and the know-how to get the job done. Time is not on our side, the challenges before us are huge, and without bold and meaningful action, the task gets greater with every passing day.”
Abbott begins his speech.
— David Maher (@DavidMaherNL) March 5, 2020
Abbott says he has roots in Marasheen and Oderin in Placentia Bay, giving him ties to this province that go back 200 years. #nlpoli pic.twitter.com/WyEIqViqoI
Former Liberal cabinet minister Rex Gibbons, who introduced Abbott at the announcement, says Abbott’s ability to tell uncomfortable truths made him an asset during his time in the public service.
“John is well known as an honest and respected adviser, coming to meetings well prepared with his homework done, ready to give advice with the pros and cons,” said Gibbons.
“He has handled some of the most difficult issues that any government has had to contend with and has done so with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity to what is best for the province.”
Speaking with reporters after the announcement, Abbott said he’s not afraid to criticize his own party’s lack of action on major issues facing the province.
“Some people will not like some criticisms, but my sense is that people are looking for a new face, a new perspective, a new vision. That’s what I have on offer,” he said.
“The party and party membership will decide what route they want to follow. I’m confident from feedback I’ve gotten so far that what I’m talking about is what people really want to see happen.”
"... my sense is that people are looking for a new face, a new prespective, a new vision. That’s what I have on offer,”
Abbott’s announcement did not draw the majority of the Liberal caucus, like his competitor Andrew Furey’s announcement did on Tuesday. Liberal MHAs Perry Trimper and John Haggie were in attendance, with former MP Nick Whalen looking on. Furey’s announcement drew the entire Liberal caucus, save for Andrew Parsons, who is dealing with personal matters.
Abbott said if he didn’t think it would be a competitive race for leader, he wouldn’t be running.
“The interests of the party is that this be a very strong and competitive race. I think we now are into that phase.”
Abbott did not commit to a spending cap on his leadership race, but says he will spend less than the stated $250,000 cap self-imposed by Andrew Furey. He says he will also commit to releasing the names and amounts of donors to his campaign.
Abbott resides in Witless Bay with his wife, Colleen Hanrahan, but he says his family roots in Oderin and Merasheen in Placentia Bay go back more than 200 years.
Businessman bows out
Corner Brook businessman Jamie Fowlow has decided at the last minute not to enter the race for the Liberal leadership. At a gathering Wednesday evening, Fowlow had signed the nomination papers, but decided on Thursday not to enter the race.
Fowlow says he’s been an active participant in pre-budget consultations, has met with provincial party leaders to discuss policy ideas and has an interest in getting involved in provincial politics, but now is not the right time.
“I decided I was going to make a difference and run, put my ideas forward because I think I have the best plan to get everything moving, but at the end of the day, financially, the Furey camp has a lot behind it. I’ve spoken to Andrew directly, had chats with him this week, as well as his campaign manager, and I think he has the stuff to be able to pull it together,” Fowlow said.
“He has the political pedigree that I don’t have in terms of connections and ability to do things. I decided it’s not the right time for me.”
So close... but at the 11th hour I have decided not to run. I love this province and I will continue to put forth ideas and solutions. Our campaign plan was not about rally’s and lawn signs, or robocalls and door knocking. I have no political pedigree, but also carried no baggage. It was about good policy, common sense ideas, a real solution to our debt crisis, and communicating that plan on social media platforms to engage younger generations who have the best ideas. To the next Premier, surround yourself with the best people! Please share around our team’s launch video and see how close we came to making this campaign about you! Thanks to everyone who helped and encouraged...you know who you are! #foreheadstogether
Posted by Jamie Fowlow on Thursday, March 5, 2020
Fowlow says whoever the next premier is, collaboration will be key to their success.
“I’m not as concerned about our government looking like Habs and Leafs, meaning you’re on the opposite side because you’re on the opposite side,” he said.
“I’m more interested in having a government that has 40 people working together, looking at everybody’s ideas to solve problems.”
The deadline for nominees for the Liberal leadership — and to pay $15,000 of the $25,000 fee to run — is Friday at 4:30 p.m.
Twitter: @DavidMaherNL
