Controversial N.L. budget passes in the House of Assembly

The main piece of legislation to enactNewfoundland and Labrador's controversial 2016 budget has been passed in the provincial legislature.

With all present Liberal members voting in favour, the government has pushed throughthe supply billrelating to the latest financial plan for the province, which includes an almost $2-billion deficit.

Newly-independent MHA Paul Lane voted against the budget, as did every opposition member sitting in the House of Assembly.

The controversial deficit reduction levy, which was recently re-tooled by the government, was not voted upon. It is a separate bill, and requires a separate vote as do numerous tax increases included in the budget.