Forecasted winter weather in Newfoundland slows election campaign pace in final week

Liberal Leader Andrew Furey, left to right, Progressive Conservative Leader Ches Crosbie and NDP Leader Alison Coffin pose for a photo following their televised debate from the floor of the House of Assembly in St. John's N.L. on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Daly

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ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -- An East Coast storm that's forecast to reach Newfoundland and Labrador today has provincial election campaigns planning to limit or cancel events in the community.

Bob Robichaud, a forecaster with Environment Canada, says northeasterly winds of 80 km/h are expected through the day in St. John's, along with 15 to 30 centimetres of snow.

David Maher, a spokesman for Tory Leader Ches Crosbie, said in an interview that with weather uncertainties, the campaign "won't have any public events," though there will be a policy announcement.

A spokeswoman for NDP Leader Alison Coffin says the leader isn't planning on venturing out to public events.

Meghan McCabe, a spokeswoman for Liberal Leader Andrew Furey, says no special events had been planned for the day but the party head will attempt to campaign with candidates in the St. John's area if the weather permits.

Voting day is this coming Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 8, 2021.