Name: George Murphy
Age: 56
Party affiliation (provincially and federally): Liberal
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 709-685-6186
Twitter: @GeorgeMurphyOil
Q. Do you believe there is more that can be done to combat climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador? Explain.
A. Absolutely yes! I’m glad the Liberal party started a 5-year climate change action plan as of March 2019. While the plan includes a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and looks at ways to stimulate clean innovation and growth, there’s also good money, around $300 Million for green infrastructure as well as municipal projects to help deal with the problems of climate change. Green jobs are also a way to get people to participate in mitigating the effects of climate change.
It’s important to me because my children are directly affected, and the costs of climate change far outweigh the costs of doing nothing! My younger constituents have said that they want a safe place to grow up.
Q. What is your primary legislative priority should you be (re)elected?
A. All legislative priorities are no less important than another if you are talking on a constituent level. Whether it is necessary changes to the way we do healthcare, or matters of affordability, all could be considered “crisis” based on the need of the constituent.
As I am both a consumer of the insurance system in our province, and running a business that requires it, I would also like to pursue the proposed changes to “Move Over” legislation in our Red Book, a Bill that I championed during my first term in office that is designed to protect our emergency and highway workers.
Q. With the death rate exceeding the birth rate, outmigration remaining prominent, and an aging population, what is your top priority to address demographic challenges in N.L.?
A. On a district level, I have ideas entered around making the downtown sector of St. John’s a vibrant economic and growth hub that will attract young people to good economic opportunities. I am excited about the Red Book provision to our youth entrepreneurship that will help stimulate the economy and keep our youth here employing others. If you foster economic opportunities, you foster young families!
When our economy grows, we will obviously attract those who wish to come here for opportunities, and yes, we will possibly attract people to return home.
Q. Are changes needed to the existing tax system in Newfoundland and Labrador? If so, what specifically should change?
A. We all have to recognize that any change to our tax system can affect things that need to be supported through taxes collected. As our fiscal situation improves, there may be opportunities to adapt changes that will allow for a positive impact on the consumer or taxpayer. For now, I am happy to see the insurance tax removed in the 2019 Budget to consumers and transportation related businesses. In the past, our consumer group successfully pressed to have taxes lifted off necessities like heat and light, and I would like to see that as a good next step!
Q. Do you have any conflicts of interest that would need to be addressed upon (re)entering the House of Assembly?
A. NO!
