News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

Joyce says that pre-budget consultations should be held in the evening to allow maximum participation

January 6, 2005

"It is very disappointing that the minister scheduled the pre-budget consultations during a period that will not permit maximum participation of the population," said Mr. Joyce. "This once again demonstrates that this process is nothing more than a public relations exercise of this government, and the minister has no intention of following the recommendations of the people of the province.

"There are many upcoming issues of great concern to the people in western Newfoundland. Health care workers in Corner Brook are very concerned about anticipated cutbacks to the health care system. I have received several phone calls from employees who want to participate, but are upset that the pre-budget consultation scheduled for Corner Brook will take place in the morning. This will not allow these workers, people who will be completing their shifts, to attend and raise their concerns. Municipal leaders and business people have also expressed their concerns to me. They have important issues that they would like to address, but once again cannot attend morning meetings that interfere with their jobs.

When the federal government held their COSEWIC meetings throughout the province, the provincial government said it was unacceptable to hold meetings during the daytime when people were working. Now, when they are presented with the same situation, the minister organizes meetings in the same way, a timeframe that will encourage minimum participation. This approach is very hypocritical. If this minister was truly committed to the pre-budget consultation process he would have set the meetings during the evening. Unfortunately, this has not been done and once again proves this process is nothing more than a sham."
 

Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6151 or 709-687-0477