"I believe the Minister and the Premier have an opportunity here to do what is just and right to promote equality," said Jones. "While the Supreme Court made a ruling that allows governments to make these type of decisions, I maintain that it is a matter of principle and the government should do what is right.

"While the Court ruled in favour of the government, the Minister of Finance can bring forth a plan that will see this money paid to these individuals despite the outcome. Government has already acknowledged that pay equity was necessary and this money would be a one time payment to those who were discriminated against during that time. Government could develop a plan to pay out the money over a specified period of time."

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled last week that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador was discriminating when it failed to implement pay equity in the late 80's and early 90's. The Court decided, however, in a 7-0 decision that the government was faced with extraordinary fiscal problems, legitimizing the decision to postpone the implementation of pay equity. Pay equity was implemented in this province by the Liberal government under Premier Brian Tobin.