Dwight Ball changes his tune on proposed MHA cuts

Newfoundland and Labrador's House of Assembly opened Monday to allow discussion on proposed cuts to the number of seats, but the Liberals changed their tune on supporting certain seat cuts while outlining their amendments.

Last week, Premier Paul Davis announced he would be looking to cut the number of MHAs from 48 to 38.

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Following the announcement, Liberal Leader Dwight Ball said his party would support "whatever the number is," adding that he was committed to reducing the number of MHAs.

The Liberals agreed on cutting the number of representatives, but said they were worried about the process that would be necessary for the cut and where the proposed cuts would happen.

Ball said last week he would be OK with an independent commission cutting the number of seats in Labrador, but Monday said he wants those seats protected.

In the Liberal's amendment released Monday, the party said "given the large geography and uniqueness of Labrador, these four seats must be protected."

According to Ball, he changed his tune on protecting Labrador seats after talking with people about why they were set up that way in the first place.

"Over the weekend we've done a considerable amount of research of why this has happened, considering the vastness, the uniqueness the natural resources in Labrador right now I think the appropriate thing is to carve out and protect those seats," said Ball.

Don't set number of districts to cut: Liberals

While the change may see Ball get more support in Labrador, the Tories were on the attack for the change in position.

"We did see a flip flop on him before Thursday night was over. I don't know if he wants to hold the line on his position or not," said Premier Davis.

On Monday, the Liberals also outlined the party's two other proposed amendments for the seat reductions.

The Liberals said the legislation should be amended to state that if the commission was unable to complete its work in 120 days, the same electoral boundaries would apply for the 2015 provincial election.

Additionally, the Liberals said the commission must not be forced to work with a prescribed number of districts.

While Davis stated he wanted to cut 10 seats, the Liberals said they wanted the commission "to be given a range from 38 districts to 42 districts in order to complete their work effectively."

The premier said Monday he hadn't seen the suggested Liberal amendments, so it's unclear if Davis is willing to make the changes.

If Davis doesn't agree, the Liberals said everything is still on the table including a drawn out filibuster of the new rules.