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Opposition Leader Roger Grimes says he is very
disappointed that Premier Danny Williams decided to avoid question period
this afternoon, rather than answer questions regarding FPI and the future of
the Harbour Breton fish plant. "The Premier was
in Confederation Building this afternoon during question period", said Mr.
Grimes. "It is very unfortunate that he decided to schedule a meeting during
the only 30 minutes per day that the Premier is expected to be present and
answer questions from the Opposition. It is obvious that the Premier is
running from the FPI issue. He is refusing to go on record regarding Harbour
Breton and is making excuses to avoid public scrutiny.
"Yesterday in the House the Premier refused to answer
any questions on this subject, and today he decided to not even show up.
This is not acceptable and an insult to the people of Harbour Breton. The
Premier continuously states that he is all over these files, but refuses to
speak publicly about the issue. When will he stand up to FPI and fight for
the people of the province?
"When the Premier was negotiating with the federal
government on the Atlantic Accord, he stated that no response to letters
sent to the federal government meant acceptance. FPI has stated that the
Harbour Breton plant will close, Fortune will be drastically reduced,
Bonavista could be next, and there is absolutely nothing government can do
about these decisions. Does the Premier’s silence mean he accepts their plan
for this province? Now is the time for the Premier to stand up and answer
some questions, not runaway and hide from an issue that has such a huge
impact on rural communities in this province." |