News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

Savings for drivers under Liberal Party Policies
September 17 2007

Gerry Reid, Leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador, used the Motor Vehicle Registration parking lot in Mount Pearl today to highlight key policy commitments from the Party’s election platform intended to benefit consumers– reducing motor vehicle registration costs, reducing the provincial gas tax and eliminating the tax on insurance.  

Mr. Reid and the Liberal Party Campaign Bus kicked-started what is anticipated to be the first official day of the election with campaign stops in Mount Pearl and in the Districts of Bellevue and Port de Grave.   Under a Liberal administration, vehicle registration will be reduced from $180 to $140; the provincial gas tax will be reduced by 4.5 cents per litre and consumers will no longer pay the 15 per cent tax on insurance after year three. 

“These three initiatives are part of the New Liberalism approach that is intended to address the tremendous hardships experienced by drivers facing excessive costs of vehicle registration, gas prices and insurance,” says Reid. “The Liberal Party recognizes that people are looking for real initiatives that place more money back into their pockets and we intend to ensure that they get this much-needed break.”  

Reid points out  not only does this province have some of the highest gasoline prices in the country, we have the highest gasoline taxes.  He also reminded those on the tour bus that after taking power in 2003, the Williams’ government increased every fee in the province, including an extra $40 fee for vehicle registration. “It was unnecessary and it was expensive for people, just as the special 15 per cent tax on insurance is not necessary.  Other governments do not charge this tax, but the Williams’ government rakes in $40 million from this tax each year, over-burdening not only vehicle owners, but home owners and small business people. 

“Our proposals will save consumers money so they can spend their hard-earned dollars on other necessities.  Our election theme of People, Progress and Prosperity is about the need for people to get ahead economically and socially, so that they can improve the quality of their lives in meaningful ways. They have every right to benefit from their natural resources and the Liberal Party intends to honour that entitlement.”                                                 

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