Liberals service debt with $500-a-plate fundraiser

The Newfoundland and Labrador Liberals held a fundraiser Tuesday night in an effort to put a dent in the party's debt.

More than 500 people paid $500 a plate to attend the dinner at the Delta Hotel in St. John's.

Leader Dwight Ball told attendees he's happy with the state of Liberal finances as they move closer to a provincial election.

"You know, our party finances are in real good shape right now," he said.

"We've had a great year, people have come out and supported us. It's not just at corporate events or events like this ... even in the districts."

The Liberals have been digging themselves out of debt for the past several years. 

The party paid off $600,000, but still has another $300,000 to go.

Ball said holding fundraisers like the one on Tuesday will help the party's chances in forming the government when voters go to the polls.

"I've been doing quite a bit of getting our district associations ready for the upcoming provincial election, but these events are really, really good for us," he said.