With his father Senator, George Furey and the members of his young family looking on, Andrew Furey was sworn in as the 14th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.
This morning’s swearing in ceremony was different from those in the past.
Concerns about COVID-19 moved the ceremony unto the grounds of Government House under the canopy of a large tent.
Furey leads a minority government and must call an election within the next year.
The new premier’s cabinet will be sworn in at 1pm today.
In his first speech as Premier Andrew Furey empathized the importance of of listening when seeking council in the decision-making that lies ahead. Furey says the most important thing he has learned is to listen. He promises to listen to people because that leads to better decisions.
Furey citied the recent back-to-school plan released this week as an example of coming up with policies through engagement and consultation.
Premier Furey also made a commitment to transparency, something that past administrations had also committed to.
“You’ll know exactly what the hard decisions are, and how they will impact our province, and why we are making them. When asked a question, expect a straight up, fact based answer. No rhetoric, just reality. We will stand and be accountable for our mistakes and will strive to learn from them.”–Premier Andrew Furey.
He says we’re in a better position now then when the pandemic struck.
Furey went around the province and he says he heard some negative comments such as “ why would want to take a job which is like taking over the titanic after it struck an iceberg?” To naysayers “they don’t know us and our resiliency.”