"Over the past number of weeks, our office has received numerous phone calls from people looking for information on the Atlantic Accord," said Mr. Grimes. "While this issue is very well-known in the province, very few people know all of the intricate details of the Atlantic Accord, the equalization formula and the promise made by Prime Minister Martin during the election. This small brochure will hopefully allow people to gain a better understanding of the current debate."

Grimes stated that while this brochure was put together by the Opposition Office, the goal is not to play partisan politics, but an attempt to provide more detailed information to the public on the issue. "The local news media are doing a good job in keeping this issue alive and well in Newfoundland and Labrador. Unfortunately, this issue is so complicated, it is very difficult for the various aspects and details of the Atlantic Accord to be reported in every news story. Our document will hopefully become another piece of information that will help frame and guide the debate for the people of the province.

"While we will not be doing any mass mailouts with this brochure, we will be making it available on our website and to people who contact our office. We will also be sending it to community leaders and municipalities for their distribution. This issue is so complex that it is important to get as much information as possible into the public domain. By providing more information to the electorate, we believe the debate will become more focused and put more pressure on the federal government to live up to their commitment."