Liberal leadership race casts shadow over beginning of new House of Assembly session
The House opened on Monday for first day spring session
On the first day back in the House of Assembly, question period was a little subdued — instead the big question on everyone's mind was who would replace Premier Andrew Furey.
The session started with Health Minister John Hogan on the backbench while he considers running to replace Furey in the Liberal leadership race. An unusually combative Housing, Mental Health and Addictions Minister John Abbott stood his ground over the PC's line of questioning about health-care concerns and controversial land deals.
"The opposition is devoid of substance, devoid of facts, when they are posing questions to the House, whether it's to the government or to the experts as we saw in January," Abbott said.
PC Leader Tony Wakeham said Abbott's comment signifies the province's arrogance and dismissal.
"These are important questions that are being asked," Wakeham said. "This is one of the most important times in our history to have real leadership."
Abbott announcing future Tuesday
Abbott, ran against Furey in the 2020 Liberal leadership race before being elected as the MHA for St. John's East-Quidi Vidi.
Prior to Furey's resignation on Wednesday, Abbott was going to announce his intent to take his political aspirations federal, seeking the Liberal nomination in the new riding of Cape Spear.
Now, he's considering running again for the province's top job and will announce his decision on Tuesday.
"All I am saying right now is that I will be making a statement tomorrow," Abbott told reporters on Monday.
Hogan considering it
Despite appearing disengaged on Monday, Hogan traded his typical sneaker and suit combo for dress shoes on Monday, telling reporters a decision on his political future should come by the end of the week.
"It's taken a little bit of time to certainly have some conversations with colleagues and, most importantly, my family," Hogan said.
"I still have to continue those conversations over the next couple of days to make sure that I reach the right decision for me, for my children."
Municipal and Provincial Affairs Minister John Haggie is filling in for Hogan's ministerial responsibilities in the Department of Health for the time being.
Jones and Davis unsure
Liberal MP for Labrador Yvonne Jones and provincial Justice Minister Bernard Davis are also considering running in the Liberal leadership race, but have yet to make a final decision.
Jones says she has been asked to run.
"I am considering it. I love this province and its people, and I see where we can be stronger and build together. I will make a final decision in the next few days," she said.
Davis wouldn't budge on the direction of his intentions.
"There's discussions happening, that's what I'll say at this point," he said.
No Premier Coady
But deputy premier and Finance Minister Siobhan Coady confirmed she will not be running in the leadership race after briefly considering it.
Coady has been in provincial politics for nearly a decade and says she can't commit to another five years. She says she may run again as MHA in the next provincial election to maintain some stability in the finance department.
"I think it's really important for stability, especially as finance minister, especially with what's happening — tariffs — that I remain in my role right now and give it all that I have for that role right now," she said.
WATCH | The CBC's Terry Roberts reports on who's considering running to replace Furey:
Liberals have three weeks to decide if they're entering the race, and come up with $50,000 as an entry fee. The nomination fee has doubled since Furey's 2020 leadership win.
The premier's replacement will be selected at a convention in St. John's on May 3, and a provincial election must be held before Oct. 14.
Furey was not in the House of Assembly on Monday. He is in Toronto for a convention, but the Liberals have confirmed he will stay on as an MHA until the next election so as to avoid triggering a byelection.
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