How we have responded to the pert report and engagenl

Six of our Avalon Chapter members have made submissions to ENGAGENL on the province's economic recovery plan.  We have put in a lot of work because we care passionately about this province and the future directions government may take.  

As an environmental and social justice group we believe that governmental decisions over the last two decades have been blinkered.  Too much influence has been given to business groups - groups that almost always look for short-term solutions to Newfoundland and Labrador's problems. 

The business  sector's bias is understandable. Their first priority is to make money today and tomorrow. But it is time for Government to recognize that that bias may not be in the long-term interest of the people of our province. 

Both the environment and the world economy are changing at an unprecedented pace.  Our worry is that our political leaders will continue to favour out-of-date "solutions" that are no longer in step with the direction the rest of the world is taking.  The prioritization of  fossil fuel extraction, P3s and privatization are examples of this myopic thinking.  

Avalon Chapter members have made the following submissions to EngageNL and government ministers.

• General:   Progressive revenue options and cost cuts
• The Environment:  Climate change and biodiversity with reference to the PERT report
• Health Care: Comments on the PERT report in relation to seniors and Health
• K-12 Education: Our response to the 16 K-12 recommendations in the PERT report
• The Fisheries:  A way forward for the NL fishery
• Taxation:  Should we be  increasing provincial income tax?

Will our perspective have any effect, or will we be seen as just another "impractical" community group with no understanding of how the economy works?  We will have to wait and see.  
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Let's start with Yvonne Earle's submission on progressive revenue options and tax cuts.
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                                                     Response to The Big Reset

As first priority, the Premier and Cabinet must look to increase provincial revenue with minimal cost to those already struggling financially. This must be done on a short timeline so the financial impact on NL’s budget can be evaluated before any cuts in services and programs are considered.
Progressive revenue options are presented in both the PERT report and The People’s Recovery Revenue Options factsheet for changes to personal income tax, wealth tax, corporation tax and various tax credits.

• A good, immediate start can be changes to our income tax act to make it more progressive and to bring NL’s taxation on higher levels of income in line with other Atlantic Provinces. This can be done within government and the Assembly within a short time frame and be ready for implementation for the 2021 – 22 tax year.
• An improved carbon tax administered by the province. This should include tax rebates for lower income residents. It can provide significant funds in a short time to pay down the debt and to be invested in the green economy.

What programs can our Premier push the Federal Government to implement that would have a direct effect of cutting costs to our province and improve societal outcomes?

• Pharmacare comes immediately to mind. With bulk buying, the reduced the cost of drugs to our healthcare system would be an immediate saving; the reduced health costs for people who could then afford to take medications as prescribed would be longer term. Additionally, the provincial government would not have the cost of administering the range of drug programs it now has to assist lower income residents.
• Equalization funds can be renegotiated after the government has maximized revenue increases within NL.

What immediate cost cuts will have minimal harm?

• Freezes on salaries and bonuses of senior management in all government departments, agencies and Crown corporations can be implemented immediately by the Premier. In addition to reducing costs where it will inflict little pain this will show commitment. This freeze should stay in place until our debt is paid.
• The Legislative Assembly has previously rolled back salary increases to MHAs. This freeze should stay in place until our debt is paid.

What needs to go on hold for an extended period?

• Any cuts to public services and positions until a full reckoning of the impact of all revenues increases can be evaluated.
• Any changes to the healthcare system until the final Health Accord Report has been given full consideration.
• Any privatization of services, contracting out or implementation of P3s. All P3s and contracted services currently in place should be listed publicly with costs and dates of implementation.
• Any mega project (especially hydro electric).

Submitted by: Yvonne Earle
139 Elizabeth Ave St. John’s NL A1B 1S2
myearle@hotmail.com