ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey has announced he will step down after nearly five years at the helm, becoming the second Atlantic province leader to resign within a week, citing the relentless demands of political life.
Furey, who is also an orthopedic surgeon, made the announcement on Tuesday, explaining to reporters, "I have always maintained I am not 'a career politician.'" His words underline his struggle with the role as he confirmed he could not commit to another full term with a provincial election approaching later this year.
Reflecting on his tenure, Furey described the experience of being premier as akin to one extended five-year shift. "You are always on. You are never off. You are with everyone for the celebrations, but often alone with the weight of the hardest calls. You go to bed with it on your mind, and it's your wake-up call every single morning," he stated, articulately capturing the challenges of leadership.
His resignation follows closely on the heels of Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, who had similarly expressed concerns about the burdens of political responsibility when he decided to step away from office just days earlier. King emphasized he didn't want to be "a lifer" in politics, noting the toll taken by the COVID-19 pandemic and other pressing crises.
Furey, who stepped up as Premier following his Liberal leadership victory in August 2020, has already urged his party to commence the search for his successor. He confirmed he will remain as premier until the party elects his replacement.
"The time has come for me to return to my family and to the job I love in the operating room, where I will continue to serve the people of this province in a different way," Furey said. His sentiments resonate deeply with many who understand the conflict between public service and personal life.
Adding to the complexity of his departure, Furey’s announcement coincides with significant economic concerns for the province. With looming trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canadian and Mexican goods, tensions are high. Although he clarified this wasn’t the primary motivation for his exit, he admitted the uncertainties brought about by what he called Trump's "erratic, crazy, bonkers" presidency made his decision to resign easier.
Reflecting on the upcoming challenges, Furey remarked, "Once it became clear there would be continuously uncertain times, it allowed us as a family to make a decision with more freedom." This paints a picture of not only his political strategy but also the personal burden he and his family faced.
Furey’s powerful insights on the nature of political power and the personal costs of public service resonate with anyone who has had to make hard choices between career obligations and personal life. Moving forward, the political scene of Newfoundland and Labrador will undergo changes as new leadership emerges, but the impact of Furey's tenure will undoubtedly resonate with citizens.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 25, 2025.