2004 News

Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador

Home	Executive	Liberal News	Commissions	Constitution
History	Hennebury Award	Opposition News	Links	Contact Us

Office of the Official Opposition

go to...
Jan Feb Mar April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec

December 2004
17	Opposition takes government to task on lack of rural development: Future of REDBs in jeopardy
17	MHA says government cutbacks hurt rural initiative: Site may be damaged beyond repair
17	Provincial Liberals express condolences to the O'Brien family
17	Jones says Lawrence O'Brien was a true Labradorian
16	Closure brought in on snowmobile and liquor Bills: Government forces legislation through the House without full debate
16	Minister has double standard on Road Maintenance: Opposition says residents of Old Mill Road treated unfairly
15	Sullivan's fiscal update incomplete: Indicates continued dependence on Federal Government
15	Open and Transparent? Government continues to operate under cloak of secrecy
14	Bill 61 being pushed through House without consultation: Accountability pledge a farce
14	Changes made to Bill 53: House of Assembly serves an important accountability role
13	Liquor stores to be open on Sundays if Bill 61 passes: Sweeney questions why no consultations held
13	Grimes questions legality of government unilaterally postponing review of electoral boundaries
13	Joyce pleased government changes policy on snow clearing in the province
13	Airline pullout detrimental to Southeast Labrador: Government must take action
10	Government has double standard on pension benefits for union: Joan Burke runs from issue
9	Joyce expresses concern regarding new snow clearing policy
9	Lack of vision for rural areas: Announced projects will have only minor impact
8	MHA calls on Minister to stand up for Fortune workforce
8	Jones seeks answers on VON settlement: Minister continues to cover up the truth
7	HRE using call centre to take social services inquiries: Opposition says serious problems resulting
6	Snowmobile legislation needs more examination says Barrett: Encourages people to express opinions to their MHA
3	Sweeney says immediate government action required on E.coli
3	Jones will vote against LIA Lands Claims Agreement
2	Minister's options not acceptable: Fortune and Harbour Breton plants should remain open
2	Investments recommended by Oxycontin Task Force not taking place
1	Minister reneges on funding commitment for E. coli problem
1	Jones asks about Labrador medical travel program: Wants to know if program will be expanded
November 2004 Return to Top of Page
30	Opposition questions government's commitment to health care: Jones wants new money spent on health not debt
30	Foote brings serious E.coli case to Legislature: Government must act immediately
29	Reid disappointed that government not supportive of Harbour Breton's request to maintain fish quota
29	Minister non-committal on education issues in House: Tuition hikes and campus closures likely
29	Opposition wants comprehensive policy on child poverty: Recent report deserves swift attention and action
26	Foote concerned for future of Fortune plant: Wants Premier to get involved
25	Premier refuses to speak on FPI issue: Skips question period to avoid public scrutiny
25	Stephenville airport abandoned by government: Minister says there will be no further provincial support
25	Opposition keeps pressure on Government on FPI issue: Comments by FPI CEO indicate other plants may close
25	Opposition calls for independent monitors: Second spill indicates serious problems exist
25	Andersen brings issues to the legislature: Hopedale school to be fixed but no word on auditorium
24	Langdon continues to fight for future of Harbour Breton: Asks questions and has private members motion debated
24	Opposition takes a stand on smoking: Government should implement a provincial ban
23	OHS inspectors to visit Harbour Breton plant: MHA sees this as just the first step
23	Opposition questions government on financial update: Minister agrees to give update next week
22	Grimes disappointed that government rejected motion for emergency debate on the Atlantic Accord
22	Harbour Breton closure would be devastating: Government must develop a plan to address issue
19	Opposition releases fact sheet on Atlantic Accord
18	Butler disappointed in government release: Minister fails to recognize serious problems in department
16	Grimes applauds Liberal MP's for supporting federal offshore motion on Atlantic Accord
15	Joyce says long-term care facility must be priority during pre-budget consultations
12	Still no deputy minister in Labrador: What happened to the promises?
12	The time for leadership is now
10	Reid upset that circuit court closed in Twillingate: Cuts to rural Newfoundland and Labrador must stop
8	Grimes welcomes Premiers decision to return to negotiations with Ottawa
8	Liberal critic shocked by government claims: More evidence they are ignoring serious problems
8	Grimes says Opposition does not support Ottawa's proposal: Danny Williams tactics need to change to get a deal
4	Janeway incident raises red flag: Minister must deal with mental health issues
4	Opposition calls list of accomplishments "Bold Lie": Anniversary bulletin touts broken promises
4	Andersen meets with Finance Minister: Hopes to have good news for Labrador oil users on north coast
3	Pay equity ruling a disappointment: Government can still do the right thing
3	Grimes says Premier doesn't want a deal: More interested in playing politics with the Atlantic Accord
1	Liberal heating rebate initiative adopted by government: Electricity users still left in the cold
1	Number of highway accidents unacceptable: Government can take action
October 2004 Return to Top of Page
28	Grimes encourages federal MP's to remain firm in their stance: Their role is key in securing more Atlantic Accord funding
26	Grimes wants strong provincial position on Atlantic Accord: Calls for emergency session of the House of Assembly
26	Joyce disappointed that province will not provide disaster assistance funding to west coast lobster fishermen
22	Reid calls upon government to follow Ontario's lead and put restrictions on junk food served in schools
22	Accidents warrant policy review: Sweeney calls on Minister Whalen to consider changes
22	Butler asks when backlogs will be cleared up in HRLE: Opposition says vulnerable people will suffer because of cuts
22	Liberals want tuition freeze to continue: Investment in education will bring future prosperity
21	Insurance reform off the rails: Sweeney predicts new study will not impact policy
21	Impending crisis in low-income housing: Opposition wants to know Minister's plan
21	One year of the Danny Williams government: Is this the approach the people of the province supported?
20	Other Cabinet Ministers and MHAs ready to jump? Elizabeth Marshall may be tip of iceberg
20	Sullivan dragging his feet: Confirmation and details of heating rebate program past due
18	Reid says government should continue investment in aquaculture industry
18	Williams government has no rural strategy
14	New Education Minister must now stand by comments: Hedderson called for new school while in opposition
14	Serious situation in Black Tickle: Government must act now
14	Will the Premier get involved in crisis in HRLE? Children not getting medical attention they need
13	Negotiations are underway on the Atlantic Accord: Now is the time for government to provide details
13	Jones expresses concern about Labrador health care: Service should not be compromised by restructuring
10	Opposition calls for cuts to political appointments: Can't justify cuts to poor while appointing friends
9	Premier not attending NLFM Convention: Insult to community leaders says Opposition Liberals
9	Attempts made to intimidate and silence employees: Ministers should state their position on what is happening
9	Letter confirms backlogs in HRLE causing problems: Janeway Social Workers complain to department
6	Government MHAs refuse to hold PAC meeting: Opposition still thinks investigation needed
6	Butler congratulates new Minister: Looks forward to him taking stand on social policy
6	Premier should look at own record: Not enough voices in Cabinet from rural areas
5	Job creation program certainly needed: Opposition wants proper monitoring and administration
5	Trouble at Workplace Health and Safety Compensation Commission: Government inaction causing delays for clients
5	Opposition refutes Minister's statements
5	Langdon concerned about aquaculture operations in St. Alban's
5	Premier makes mockery of Lower Churchill process: Creates conspiracy theories to cover-up mistakes
4	Opposition requests investigation: Did the Premier breach the Financial Administration Act
1	Williams maintains urban cabinet: Important departments thrown into disarray
1	Opposition will hold Minister Burke to promise: Wants backlog cleared up and service improved
September 2004 Return to Top of Page
30	School board downsizing has removed rural representation: What will happen with the health boards?
30	Earlier concerns become reality: Heating rebate program essential this year
30	Minister should review policy on class four roads: Opposition claim patronage creating a double standard
29	Palliative care services already in place: Joyce asks for clarification on new VON program
29	Premier failed once: Time is now for Labrador cabinet appointment
29	Need for job creation says opposition: Government unable to help rural economy in first year
27	Real reason for VON initiative revealed: Joyce wants commitment that the program will proceed
24	Williams reneges on health care; could harm future negotiations with Ottawa
24	Joyce pleased that VON strike finally over
23	Sweeney says Persalvic Elementary will remain closed much longer than anticipated
22	Jones requesting more details on new health funding for Labrador
22	Government should provide a financial update in light of new funding coming to province
22	Sweeney says crisis at motor registration must be addressed: Evidence that budget cuts went too far
21	Staff reductions at Motor Vehicle Registration creating chaos: Driver's licences being suspended without cause
17	Joyce says investment needed to end VON strike and improve home care in the province
17	Williams' hidden health agenda revealed: Jones demands answers
16	Jones pleased with health funding: Wants to know what it means for Newfoundland and Labrador
16	Foote seeks details on CHC Composites deal
15	Winter fast approaching: Thistle wants PC heating rebate policy implemented
10	Butler and Sweeney concerned about CBN health care: Government announcement raises even more questions
10	Jones says Health Care restructuring is ill-planned and will negatively impact rural areas of the province
9	Replacement airstrip operator needed in Hopedale: Government needs to understand situation
9	Full-time ATI Commissioner should be maintained
7	Road work in Tors Cove nothing more than pork barreling: Road work cancelled because Minister got caught
2	Joyce says PUB hearings should also be held outside St. John's
2	Sweeney asks school board to reconsider closing St. Joseph's: School should be given same treatment as St. Michael's
1	Joyce says government cutbacks have resulted in delays in the issuance of moose licenses
August 2004 Return to Top of Page
31	Grimes says school board restructuring will negatively impact students
27	HRE offices close without provisions in place: Serious problems exist all over province because of cuts
27	Opposition looking for details related to CEDA: Files Freedom of Information request to get documents
26	Minister Burke should be ashamed to issue press releases touting student employment
26	Opposition responds to Minister's invitation: Requests facts on a number of issues
25	Barrett says Williams' comments on strike not enough
25	Why is there a double standard with regards to unsolicited business proposals?
24	Joyce says the disabled angler program is a positive initiative
24	Insurance report needs immediate attention: Consultation needed to get these reforms right
23	Government delivers another slap in the face to labour: Contract hiring leaves laid off workers in the cold
23	Government press release reveals further cutbacks
22	Langdon says municipalities should be allowed to keep GST rebate from federal government
20	Langdon concerned about layoffs at Housing Corporation
20	Grimes says cuts to post-secondary education not acceptable
20	Glossy pamphlet on insurance is political advertising: Conservatives break another election promise
20	Grimes says summer road work not taking place: Employees not being recalled to upgrade roads
19	Work-term funding cut 70 per cent by government
18	Jones concerned about Children's Dental Program: Calls for government to maintain funding to program
17	Rebuild positive labour climate in public sector: Barrett says lost annual leave should be reinstated
17	Leaked documents indicate a lack of strategy for rural development: Government trying to muzzle employees
16	Opposition wants damage deposit decision reversed: Calls on government backbenchers to state views
16	Opposition not accepting explanation of road work: Claims a double standard exists
16	Funding cuts to Memorial University hurting course offerings
13	Jones comments on Sullivan's road policy: Asks Premier to investigate
12	Opposition wants reversal of damage deposit policy: "Policy change is causing serious problems" says Butler
12	Closure of weigh stations problem for firefighters: Evidence Conservative cuts not thought through
12	Are funding cutbacks the Premier's plan for rural development?
12	Jones comments following meetings with tourism operators: Government attitude must change
11	What happened to the Premier's commitment to end political appointments and only appoint qualified people?
11	Will Bonavista meeting lead to a new plan? First nine months in office leaves province last in Canada in growth
10	Allowance for damage deposit limited to $100: Harder for social assistance clients to get accommodations
9	Sullivan has no credibility on message of fiscal restraint: "Its like a fox guarding a hen house" says Opposition
9	Andersen disappointed with RAF pullout: Calls on government to now reconsider earlier recommendations
6	Parsons says government's labour approach has hurt province: IOC and Wabush Mines strikes will remove $4.0 million per month
6	Government cuts to school boards causing chaos in teacher hirings
6	Jones comments on OxyContin task force report: Action needed now
5	Liberal MHA shocked and appalled: Double standard on road work not acceptable
5	Parents and students confused: Sweeney demands answers from minister
5	Need for consistency in road maintenance policy: Opposition asks about road work in Sullivan's district
3	Joyce says government should help resolve VON strike
3	$23 Million in strike savings should be re-invested: VON strike could end today
3	Is Fortis the consultant for the Lower Churchill?
3	Government falls short of insurance expectations: Door still shut, where's the accountability
2	Opposition wants facts on lay-offs at Housing Corporation: Moves will further centralize government operations
2	Premiers should focus efforts on convincing Ottawa that national pharmacare program is a priority
2	Premier Williams should release names and costs of Lower Churchill consultants immediately
July 2004 Return to Top of Page
30	Government presence in Labrador downgraded: Decisions being made out of St. John's without local input
30	Government backpedals in face of Opposition criticism: Employees need long term stability and respect
29	Over 40 road maintenance supervisors cut: Opposition fears for public safety and want answers
29	Sweeney concerned as plant closes: Workers unable to qualify for Employment Insurance benefits
29	Butler says Conservative policy devastating rural areas
29	Parsons questions government on Churchill talks
29	Time for action: Canada should pull out of NAFO
28	Tories desperate to stop slide in popularity
27	Opposition comments on establishment of Ottawa office: Highlights lack of progress on number of issues
27	What is the status of the Strategic Partnership?
26	Opposition concerned about comments by Health Minister: Fears cuts coming to rural areas of the province
24	Government not releasing details of HRE office closures: Opposition concerned about transition provisions
23	Sweeney questions government's commitment to building accessibility
23	People waiting months for drivers test: Opposition suspects privatization on agenda
22	Town of Springdale speaks out: Government fails to consult on yet another issue
22	Energy markets hungry for new sources: Parsons looking for status of Lower Churchill negotiations
22	Conservative government preparing for new round of cuts: Opposition seeks public input on program review
21	Parsons questions appointment of new consumer advocate: What's the rationale?
20	Auto insurance Freedom of Information request ignored: Sweeney trying to find accountability in government
19	Labour climate still tense after strike: Opposition says impacts are long lasting
15	Sweeney questions dialysis commitment
15	Reid says conservation not really a priority
15	Parsons says Springdale courthouse closure another knock on rural Newfoundland and Labrador
15	Parsons says rate increase unfair
14	Opposition wants details of HRE office closures: What transition provisions are being put in place
13	Burke and Hodder misleading Stephenville residents
13	What is the status of FPI?
9	Broken promises highlight first nine months of Williams government
8	Grimes says Bay St. George abandoned by Williams Government
8	Reid disappointed with schools fees decision: Parents suffer because of government focus
7	Opposition asks for details on Ireland trip: Butler holds Premier to promise to be "open and accountable"
7	Liberal Opposition caucus to be held in Corner Brook this weekend
7	Sweeney says government mum on auto insurance: Consumers asking when changes will be implemented
6	Jones pleased that government listened: Hopes government has learned lesson
6	Labour unrest in province: Barrett questions lack of government involvement
6	Is government looking at privatizing some assets of Hydro?
5	Joyce disappointed with meeting with Education Minister
5	Why is Premier Williams so anxious to have Petro-Canada privatized?
2	Joyce says roof should be raised on new school in Meadows
June 2004 Return to Top of Page
30	Premier and Justice Minister not committed to Corner Brook
30	Sweeney demands road repairs: Harvey Street, Harbour Grace in deplorable condition
29	Joyce says road work announcement for Bay of Islands a sham
24	Williams and Conservatives showed true colours during session of House: Liberal Opposition will continue to question government during summer
24	School situation being ignored by minister: Sweeney demands action
24	Joyce says Corner Brook being shortchanged by government
18	Thistle says road work announcement not good enough: Buchans highway project ignored
17	Salmon licences unavailable: Government policy change hurting anglers
17	Jones criticizes government for ending Labrador IT program: Smart Labrador to close doors
16	Government refuses to proclaim Access to Information legislation: Another broken election promise
15	More money needed for road work, says Reid
11	Public Service Week morale destroyed by Williams government
9	Sweeney upset with registration mail-outs: Government should phase in change
9	Barrett pleased with Arnold's Cove announcement: Plant to remain open
9	Langdon pleased with Trinity North amalgamation
7	Grimes says now is the time to get a written commitment
7	Education Minister botches board reform: New hiring against the law?
5	Parsons says government not being accountable during legislative debates
4	Joyce says government rushing education legislation through House of Assembly
4	Government in disarray after series of legislative blunders
3	Parsons concerned with lack of action: PC relationship with Ottawa shattered
2	Health minister refuses to answer questions on health board consolidation
2	Parsons concerned for consumers: Layoffs and higher rates will hurt economy
1	Parsons concerned with pullout of insurance companies: Government inaccessibility cited as major concern
1	Jones Responds To The LMN Forestry Agreement
1	Jones Says The Future Of Five-Wing Goose Bay Is Critical To Labrador
May 2004 Return to Top of Page
31	Bill 30 contains little for consumers: Opposition to voice concerns during insurance debate
31	Transportation Minister in conflict again: Grant should be transferred to Labrador South Coast
31	Fee increases excessive: Government refuses to deny tourism being impacted