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News
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Joyce says government must be held accountable for
statements concerning highway maintenance operations November 18, 2005
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Eddie Joyce, Opposition Transportation and Works Critic and MHA for the
District of Bay of Islands, says Minister Trevor Taylor must be held
accountable for his comments regarding the condition of highway equipment
and the number of workers available. "Minister Taylor has given the public the impression that 80 per cent of highways equipment is available for use at this time," said Mr. Joyce. "There are reports that this is not accurate, and even if it is, there should be 100 per cent of the employees back at work this time of year. Before he was shuffled from the department, Minister Rideout indicated in media interviews that all workers were recalled on the west coast November 1st, and all others would be recalled the week of November 7th. The workers were not recalled at that time and indications are that all employees will not be in place until December throughout the province. "There is still a substantial portion of the provincial road maintenance fleet that is not in working condition and many workers have not been recalled. There are presently 19 highway maintenance positions advertised through the Public Service Commission that are vacant at this time. What impact has the late recall of highway maintenance personnel and broken down equipment had on our road conditions? "It is time for government to take responsibility for highway maintenance in the province. Maintenance depots should not be closed for the summer season, equipment should be made roadworthy earlier in the season and workers recalled earlier for the start of the winter season. It is time this government reversed its decision to close 13 highways depots in the province. It is obvious that this plan was not well-thought out and I encourage the Minister to keep the depots open year round in 2006." |
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