Starting December 1st, we’re dropping the provincial gas tax on gas and diesel to zero and bringing in legislation so it stays that way when fuel prices are high. For the first time. Ever. The cost of living is putting real pressure on families across Newfoundland and Labrador. We hear you, and we’re doing something about it.

We made a commitment to make life more affordable for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and we are delivering on it. Today, I announced that we are expediting the Churchill Falls Electricity Rebate, in time for the cold winter months. This winter, residential customers will see a 15% reduction on their electricity bills. We are also doubling the Home Heating Supplement for furnace and stove oil, from a maximum of $500 to $1,000. If you’ve already applied, you don’t need to reapply. If you’ve already received your cheque, a second one is on the way. That’s $54 million back in the pockets of people across this province, and this is only the beginning. More affordable for all of us.

At every kitchen table I've sat at, the conversation is the same. Will there be enough jobs? Will my family have healthcare no matter where we live? Can we make ends meet? Will our kids be able to stay home? That's what governing is really about. Not the cabinet table, but the kitchen table. One year in, I'm still listening and still working. For all of us.

Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the richest resources in the world. That's a door to more industry, less debt and a stronger future for all of us.

Nice to be home in Stephenville-Port au Port this week. It was a pleasure to announce more than $575,000 for fire vehicles and equipment right here in our district. This includes a new pumper truck for the Stephenville Fire Department, along with funding for equipment for the Cape St. George and Port au Port Regional Volunteer Fire Departments. We are also supporting Stephenville, Kippens and Lourdes with 15 sets of wildland coveralls each. Thank you to our volunteer firefighters for all you do, and to everyone who came out to join us. It's an honour to represent this district. This is part of our commitment to building safer communities for all of us.

This is about creating more long-term, good-paying jobs for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. With @Trades_NL backing our new and better deal, we’re strengthening our skilled workforce, creating opportunities for the next generation, and keeping more families here at home.

Today in the House of Assembly, I laid out the choice clearly. Act or don't act. Ambition or decline. Our new and better deal means lower debt, better healthcare, lower taxes, and safer communities. An economy where Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can come home, and others never have to leave in the first place.

Newfoundland and Labrador is leading Canada’s economic growth for the second consecutive year. We have more opportunities in front of us than ever before. With our new and better deal for Churchill Falls, we can deliver more jobs and more revenue to invest back into our people and our province. Our government will continue working to build on this momentum, attract investment, create good jobs and deliver a better future for all of us.

In Gander today, we remembered a simple truth demonstrated by communities across Newfoundland and Labrador on September 11, 2001. When people need help, we help. From Gander to Stephenville, St. John's, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and beyond, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians opened their doors to thousands of strangers and, in doing so, left a lasting mark on the world. Twenty-five years later, the friendships forged during those difficult days remind us that no border can diminish the bonds between us, and that compassion is always stronger than the forces that seek to divide us. May we never forget.

The world could use a little bit more Gander in it.