"There is a need to cover the increased costs to boards with regard to air medivac services and to pay the cost of travel for patients from Labrador who are being referred to St. John’s and Corner Brook health care facilities," said Jones.

The Liberal MHA says she does not trust this provincial government to put the money were it was intended to go. "This money was supposed to be used to expand and improve health care services. However, government seems intent on using this money to pay down the provincial debt. We have to continue to ask the questions and keep this issue in public view or I fear they might not put this funding towards its main purpose, improving health services."

Jones also noted that some of this new money was designated to be spent on health care in northern regions of the country. "Due to the special needs which exist in northern regions and the added cost of providing services in these areas, additional funds were needed. That is the intent of this program and I will be watching very closely to see that every cent intended for health care is spent on health care and that every cent that is supposed to go to Labrador, goes to Labrador. Given the comments from the Premier and the evasive answers from the Minister on these issues, it is important that we stay vigilant on this issue."