A recent example of this strategy was exemplified on Friday by Human Resources and Employment Minister Joan Burke. Minister Burke took credit for a ‘new’ policy related to domestic violence, a program that was initiated over a year ago and had already granted funding to dozens of families before her announcement.

"This was an initiative of our government that was identified as a priority," said Mr. Grimes. "I am glad to see that the funding has been extended to ensure the viability of this program. It is surprising that Minister Burke was permitted to continue this valuable program before the presentation of the long-awaited external audit. In light of this, I question why other initiatives such as a cancer clinic in central Newfoundland, the elimination of school fees, funding for Alzheimer’s drugs, and new dialysis units are not receiving similar attention. Are these initiatives any less valuable?"

Other examples of the Tory strategy include Mines and Energy Minister Ed Byrne’s recent comments related to Bull Arm and White Rose. In Opposition, the PC party was very critical of the benefits that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians were receiving from these operations. Now, Minister Byrne is quite pleased with the level of benefits accruing to the province due to the hard work, effort, and policies of the Liberal government.

Finance Minister Loyola Sullivan has recently released "The Economic Review", a document which illustrates the growth in our economy, growth that the Opposition refused to believe was occurring several months ago. Education Minister John Ottenheimer has recently praised the results of standardized testing which have improved over the past decade as a result of education policies introduced by the Liberal government.

"I am very pleased to finally see the Conservative government recognizing the positive initiatives brought forward by our administration," said Mr. Grimes. "Unfortunately, it appears that the current government feels that these announcements are much too valuable to allow us credit for our policies.

"We clearly recognize the strategy being used by this government. They will take credit for all positive initiatives, while ensuring that any other negative announcements are blamed on decisions of the former government. I wonder how many initiatives will be cancelled once the hidden external audit is released publicly sometime in the future.

"I challenge Minister Sullivan to release the audit today and tell the people of Newfoundland and Labrador what services and initiatives they can expect to see eliminated over the next several months. And, indicative of their strategy, I fully anticipate Mr. Sullivan blaming our government for all of these cutbacks."