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Department of Business renovations show more lavish spending by government December 11, 2006 Judy Foote, Opposition Critic for Business and MHA for the District of Grand Bank, says government’s lavish spending shows they are misplacing their spending priorities in this province. Foote today questioned Business Minister Kevin O’Brien on furniture purchases and renovations for the Department of Business offices on the sixth floor of Confederation Building. In an Access to Information request submitted by the Official Opposition, it was revealed that the Department of Business spent over $123,000 on new furniture purchases and renovations for their offices in Confederation Building. These expenditures only included purchases and renovations up to July 2006. "The misplaced spending priorities of this government continue to accumulate," said Ms. Foote. "We have already seen the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on gifts, booze and entertainment for the premier’s conference this past summer. Last week, we presented information showing that the provincial brand has cost over $1.2 million, including $20,000 signs in front of Confederation Building and the Elizabeth Goudie Building in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Today, information was presented that showed over $123,000 was spent on furniture and fancy renovations for the Department of Business. Does the premier and minister really think these are the priorities of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians? "While food banks are stretched to the limit, health care professionals are not able to get a raise, and outmigration is at a crisis level, we have a government willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury items. This is unacceptable and I certainly encourage both the premier and minister to reign in their lavish spending and focus on the real needs that are confronting the people of this province. A real investment would be putting infrastructure in rural areas of our province, not top of the line office furniture in the minister’s office."
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