News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

Opposition questions impact of federal cuts in the province

September 26, 2006

Yesterday, the Federal Conservative government unveiled $1 billion in spending cuts to take place over two years and announced that another $1 billion will be extracted through unspecified management measures over the same period.

"Yesterday’s federal cuts came as a surprise to many, including those who are involved with these federally funded government programs," said Ms. Thistle. "In light of the Harris Centre Report that indicates that this province has a significant lack of federal presence, I am inquiring as to whether the provincial government was given any prior notice of these cuts and if they have done any analysis as to the impact of these cuts on federal government spending in this province.

"The level of federal government spending in this province is in many ways less than other provinces and we should really be making an effort to get more investment. If the Minister of Finance was aware of these cuts, I am asking him to release any analysis that has been completed that outlines the impact of these cuts. If he was not aware, I am asking for clarification as to what the province’s next steps will be to ensure any negative impacts on Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are addressed.

"I am also questioning our federal cabinet representative, Loyola Hearn, as to whether he was part of this decision making process and if he can give any assurances that our province will not suffer more federal government cuts. The federal Conservative government made promises to increase the federal presence in this province, not reduce funding and jobs. I am asking that this promise be kept to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. "

Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6151 or 709-687-0477