"I asked the Premier if he would commit to spend all this new money directly on improvements in the health care system, rather than using it to pay down the provincial debt," said Jones. "We have some serious problems in the health care system of this province and this money should go to where it was intended. So far this province has been playing a shell game with this new money and not telling the people of this province where it will be spent. The Minister’s answers to my questions in the House of Assembly only add to the confusion. For a government that promised to be open and accountable there are a lot of unanswered questions."

The Liberal MHA pointed out that other provinces are explaining how the money will be spent, while this province is being very evasive about what they intend to do. "I am very concerned that we have not seen a plan, a listing of priorities, or any new projects which will be undertaken. This is a significant amount of new money, approximately $40 million a year over the next six years. The people have a right to a full accounting of how it is going to be spent so they can have some input into the setting of priorities. For example, we have long waiting lists for diagnostic services for young children and I would like to know how much of this new money will be spent to reduce the wait time for children and others who need immediate attention."

"I am not pleased with the Minister’s answers to these questions and I intend to continue to pressure government to provide the full details on how this new money will be spent. If the people of this province can’t get straight answers on something as important as this, then I guess the promises of openness and accountability are out the window."