NLSTREETER

What do you think of a minority government and Ches Crosbie's comments?

We hit the streets to ask people what they thought of election night and the future of politics in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Results were mixed, but most people really want change

CBC News Posted: May 19, 2019 8:56 AM EDT | Last Updated: May 19, 2019

Premier Dwight Ball holds his granddaughter Antonia Ball-Barry in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador after winning the provincial election on Thursday, May 16, 2019. (Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press )

We hit the streets to ask people what they thought of election night and the future of politics in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Results were mixed, but most people really want to see change either in parties and politicians themselves, or generallythe way they do business.

Here is what we heard.

Bradley Oxford

Q: What do you think will happen with a minority government in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A: I feel like no matter what, the results will be pretty much the same. You know, we don't see that much change. We haven't, anyway in recent years. So you know I've just avoided it mostly.

Progressive Conservative Leader Ches Crosbie addresses supporters in St. John's on Thursday, May 16, 2019. Crosbie has won his seat in the district of Windsor Lake in the provincial capital. His personal victory comes as his party was defeated Thursday by the incumbent Liberals. (Paul Daly/The Canadian Press)

Bud Osmond

Q: Ches Crosbie said Dwight Ball won't last a year in the job. What do you think of that?

A: I don't say he's going to last a year either Crosbie, right? Because he's not happy with the position he's in. Dwight Ball might last because he's a little bit more on the ball.

Progressive Conservative Leader Ches Crosbie speaks to reporters following the results of the May 16 general provincial election. (Mike Moore/CBC)

Harry Smith

Q: What do you think is going to happen now that the Liberals only have 20 of the 40 seats?

A: I think the Independent and the NDP are going to side with Ches. And it will be a no confidence in the budget when it comes up for debate [triggering an election].

NDP Leader Alison Coffin celebrates after winning her seat in St. John's East-Quidi Vidi on May 16, 2019. (Terry Roberts/CBC)

Oliver Stringer

Q: Are you happy with who won?

A: No. Anybody who would tax a citizen of Newfoundland who stayed here and tried to make things work in this province, and put a levy on him for living here, he doesn't deserve the job he got.

Q: What do you think of ChesCrosbie saying Dwight Ball won't last a year?

A: I hope he's right. I definitely hope he's right. We changed our district where I'm from out in the Bonavistaarea. We put in a Progressive Conservative candidate there ...I'm hoping Ches can make a difference. At least a minority government is usually a better government. They can't walk over you. You've got opposition that makes a difference. And Dwight Ball likes to walk over people. We gave him too big a mandate last time and now we've got to take it back.

Liberal Leader Dwight Ball talks with reporters after voting in the provincial election at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador on Thursday, May 16, 2019. (Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press)

Nelson Dumaresque

Q: What do you make of Ches Crosbie's statement that Dwight Ball won't last a year and that he won't concede?

A: I'll describe it as being very childish, immature and certainly not something you'd expect from somebody trying to lead the province as a whole. I am totally disappointed in it.

Liberal Leader Dwight Ball addressing the media after his victory speech, where he snuck in a few digs at his main rival, PC Leader Ches Crosbie. (Lindsay Bird/CBC)

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