|
|||||
| Return to 2005 News Releases | |||||
|
|
News
Release |
||||
|
Reid surprised with another cabinet expansion July 5, 2006
|
|||||
|
Liberal Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says while he is pleased that Labrador
finally has a voice at the cabinet table, he is surprised that the premier
has once again chosen to expand the cabinet in this most recent shuffle. "Labrador needs a representative at the cabinet table and that is something we have been advocating for quite a while. However, I am troubled that the premier has chosen to expand the cabinet for the second time in less than six months. In 2003, there were 14 cabinet ministers and now there are 16. There are also five parliamentary secretaries to these ministers who are each paid close to $25,000 a year. "During the election campaign of 2003, the premier promised the electorate that he would have a leaner cabinet . When he appointed his first cabinet in November 6, 2003, he was keen to highlight the reduced size of cabinet. At that time, he noted that keeping the cabinet to 14 members demonstrated that his government was" prepared to lead by example" when dealing with fiscal constraints." The Liberal Leader says it is also interesting that veteran politicians such as Roger Fitzgerald have been left out of cabinet once again. "It is difficult to understand why such long-serving caucus members have been overlooked." With respect to the appointment of a new minister of business, Reid noted that the premier was suppose to be responsible for this department in the past. "Under his leadership, we have seen very little in the way of results from this department. The premier even refused to appear before the budget estimate committee to defend the spending for this portfolio. "His cabinet restructuring at this time is simply a case of the premier trying to distance himself from his failure in the business portfolio and at the same time attempting to bolster an MHA who is widely speculated to be in political trouble in his district before the next election. "The premier is trying to reassure the people of the province that his government will now be more invigorated and dedicated. I hardly think that three years into his mandate, these recent cabinet changes will inspire any confidence that this is a stronger government." |
|||||
|
Media Contact: |
|||||
