CORNER BROOK, N.L. — Independent MHA for Humber-Bay of Islands Eddie Joyce believes Premier Dwight Ball’s resignation comes as a result of a Liberal caucus revolt.
“It’s very obvious there was a revolt within the caucus and the cabinet,” Joyce told The Western Star on Tuesday, a day after Ball announced his resignation.
Joyce was critical of Ball’s decision to remain premier until a new leader is chosen, expressing concerns the process could take longer than expected.
“I’ve yet to see a premier who’s going to step down, stay on with the same staff until there’s a leadership (election),” said Joyce. “That’s not good governance.”
Joyce questioned whether Ball should be responsible for executive decisions in the meantime.
He believes Ball should have stepped down immediately, allowing the party to appoint an interim leader until a permanent leader is selected.
“If he’s going to do the right thing, he should resign and let the caucus and cabinet appoint an interim leader,” he said.
Reflecting back on Ball’s leadership, Joyce credits the party for investing in projects such as a new long-term care facility and hospital in Corner Brook.
But he remains disappointed with Ball’s decision to remove him from the Liberal caucus in 2018, after allegations of bullying and harassment were filed against Joyce by Service NL minister Sherry Gambin-Walsh.
“He knows the truth but because he felt it may tarnish his image, he didn’t have the courage to stand up for the truth,” said Joyce. “I feel sad about that because I always wanted to leave with Dwight. I wish him well, I wish his family well. I just wish there was a better way at the time for him to stand up and straighten this out.”
Despite Ball’s resignation, Joyce has no interest in rejoining the Liberal caucus.
“I said back when I was running as an Independent, I would not sit in caucus with Dwight Ball or Sherry Gambin-Walsh and I’ll stand by that word,” he said. “It would be pretty hard for me to sit in cabinet and caucus with either one. It’d be pretty difficult and almost a slap in the face of the people of Humber-Bay of Islands who supported me as an Independent.”
He believes his position as an Independent allows him to keep government accountable and ensures his district is being well-served.
“It’s a great position to be in,” he said. “I got Liberal ideas, Liberal philosophy, I will always remain Liberal at heart but I just cannot lower myself to sit in cabinet or caucus with those two people.”
