Name: Neil King
Age: 38
Party affiliation (provincial and federal): Liberal
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 709-468-4403
Facebook: @neil.king.77964
Q. Do you believe there is more that can be done to combat climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador? Explain.
A. Yes, which is why our Liberal government launched our five-year climate change action plan in March of this year.
As someone who is in his 30’s Climate Change is one of the most pressing concerns that my and younger generations have. If we take no action, we will feel the negative impacts in the future. In fact, we are already seeing its effects through drier summers which impacts our farmers and those in the forestry sectors which are important industries in the District of Bonavista.
However, with any challenge there are opportunities that can arise. The green economy will allow us to create jobs. This will be achieved through the Climate Change Action Plan, which will guide investments in the $89.4 million Low Carbon Economy Fund and the $300 million for green infrastructure through the Investing in Canada Plan.
Q. What is your primary legislative priority should you be (re)elected?
A. There is a lot of positive legislation discussed in the Liberal Redbook.
I am most excited about Legislation related to automobile insurance. One of the most pressing issue that I have come across since being elected in 2015 is the cost of automobile insurance. No matter what income bracket you’re in, this issue effects everyone. We will tackle this issue by strengthening distracted driving provisions by adding strict fines and driver license suspension for driving without due care and attention. As well, we will mandate a “no pay, no play system” whereby uninsured drivers are not allowed to recover damage compensation if involved in an accident.
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. Our party is committed to making places like the District of Bonavista an ideal place for residents to live, work, and raise a family. The Bonavista peninsula is experiencing significant growth at the moment. That is bringing and keeping many young people and families to our region. Investments in a new ER department at the Bonavista hospital and a new mental health and wellness facility are vital to our continued growth. Two areas which I will be working on should I be re-elected is a providing more day care spaces through the district. The other is the better utilization of our College of the North Atlantic campus which would provide programming that can be used to grow our rural economy.
We need to have a stronger focus on our fishery which has been the backbone our economy for 500 years. We need to continue our support of our Agriculture and Forestry sectors which are key sectors in the Cabinet Committee on Jobs.
Q. Are changes needed to the existing tax system in Newfoundland and Labrador? If so, what specifically should change?
A. Our party is committed to reducing taxes as our fiscal situation improves.
We chose to remove the auto insurance tax in Budget 2019, as it will have a positive impact on the greatest number of people. In addition, the deficit reduction levy is gone this year. As opportunities arise our Liberal Government will look for ways to lower taxes. I will be a strong advocate at the caucus table advocating for lower taxes.
Q. Do you have any conflicts of interest that would need to be addressed upon (re)entering the House of Assembly?
A. No I do not.
