Andrew Furey steps down as premier of N.L. after 4½ years in office

Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador has made a surprising announcement on Tuesday, stepping down from his position as the 14th premier of the province. The announcement came after a caucus meeting at Confederation Building in St. John’s, catching many off guard.

Furey’s decision to resign was unexpected, as many were anticipating an upcoming election in the province. Instead, the premier revealed that he would be returning to his career as an orthopedic surgeon.

During his time in office, Furey achieved a major goal by securing a memorandum of understanding with Quebec on a new deal for hydroelectric power from Churchill Falls in Labrador. This agreement, which would replace a controversial 1969 contract, was hailed as a significant accomplishment for both provinces.

In his emotional address, Furey highlighted the challenges he faced during his tenure, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial struggles of the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project, and potential trade conflicts with the United States. Despite these obstacles, he expressed confidence in the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Furey’s decision to step down was influenced by a combination of family considerations and the province’s fixed election laws. With the requirement for an election within one year of a change in leadership, he felt that resigning now would provide stability for the province.

The premier’s departure will not be immediate, as he has committed to remaining in office until a new Liberal leader is chosen. Furey also confirmed that he will not be running in the upcoming federal election.

Reflecting on his time in office, Furey pointed to his accomplishments, including the MOU with Quebec, a rate mitigation deal with the federal government, and the repatriation of an unknown soldier from France. Despite the challenges he faced, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as premier.

Furey’s wife, Allison, spoke to reporters after the announcement, expressing pride in her husband’s dedication and hard work over the past five years. She highlighted his commitment to giving his all in the role of premier and expressed optimism for the province’s future.

As Newfoundland and Labrador prepares for a transition in leadership, Furey’s resignation marks the end of an era for the province. His legacy will be remembered for his efforts to secure important agreements and navigate challenging circumstances during his time in office.