ST. JOHN’S, N.L.: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is warning all political parties in Newfoundland and Labrador to stop making expensive campaign promises and start focusing on fiscal restraint.

“The last thing Newfoundland and Labrador families need is another election where politicians max out the taxpayer credit card with reckless promises,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director. “We’re already buried under debt and paying more than a billion dollars a year in interest payments.

“Taxpayers can’t afford to foot the bill for even more.”

During just the first week of the campaign, the Progressive Conservatives announced $190 million worth of new spending commitments, according to media reports. The Liberals and NDP have also rolled out costly promises with no clear plan to pay for them.

Newfoundland and Labrador already carries one of the highest debt burdens in the country. Debt interest payments alone are projected at more than $1.2 billion this year, which works out to about $2,200 for every person in the province.

“That’s money that could go toward fixing infrastructure or cutting taxes, but instead it’s being wasted on debt interest because politicians refuse to show restraint,” said Drover. “Every new promise made on the campaign trail today becomes tomorrow’s tax hike or tomorrow’s cut to essential services.”

The CTF is calling on all party leaders to commit to balancing the books and cutting wasteful spending while easing the tax burden on families.

“Politicians love to talk about affordability, but the most affordable thing they can do is get government spending under control,” said Drover. “Taxpayers deserve discipline, not another round of blank cheques.”

The Newfoundland and Labrador provincial election will be held on Oct. 14, 2025.