Picking a premier: Abbott, Hogan square off in CBC's Liberal leadership debate

Newfoundland and Labrador's Liberal leadership hopefuls made their pitches to the people as to why they should lead the province into the future on Wednesday night.

John Abbott and John Hogan kept a cordial affair over the 40-minute CBC News debate, rarely challenging each other in their policies or comments.

A leader — and Newfoundland and Labrador's next premier — will be decided on May 3.

While several topics were covered, here's where the candidates stand on a few issues top of mind for voters.

The cost of living is rising in Newfoundland and Labrador, and both candidates say it's necessary to closely monitor spending while making sure people can afford to live in the province.

Abbott brought forward more new ideas, speaking of his desire to implement a targeted basic income plan for seniors and the need to reign in record spending and a record deficit.

"The first thing we have to do, though, is stop running up further deficits. And that is something I am committed to," Abbott said.

"I've always balanced the budget [in my departments]. We require municipalities to balance their budget, we need to do that here at the provincial level."

Hogan took a more bureaucratic approach, outlining what government has already done to reduce taxes on things like gasoline and insurance.

"That's little bits here and there, but it does all add up toward decreasing costs for families and for individuals in this province," Hogan said.

He also prioritized the creation of new ministries within government for seniors and families to make sure those groups are especially supported.

"Affordability has been, and is still, an issue. I know the cost of groceries, I know the cost of gas, I know the cost of having children. And part of that restructuring … will be having a minister who focuses on families and their needs and what's important to them."

Both candidates also spoke to the need for affordable housing. Hogan said his government would prioritize helping seniors age in place while continuing efforts to expand affordable housing projects in the province.

Abbott said he is committed to the creation of 10,000 new housing units by 2030 with an emphasis on the creation of affordable housing.