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News
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High fuel prices impacting volunteer service sector Opposition writes Minister to encourage involvement
October 5, 2005
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Roland Butler, Opposition Human Resources, Labour and Employment Critic and
MHA for the District of Port de Grave, has written Minister Joan Burke
asking her to become involved and survey the impact of the high fuel prices
on the volunteer sector in this province. "I have spoken out on this serious issue several times, but I have not heard or seen any response from the Minister. As a result, I have decided to write her directly on this matter in the hope that she will not continue to ignore what I see as a very serious problem," said Butler. "Some of the most vulnerable in our society are being affected and the Minister must become involved and direct the officials in the department to assess the impact." Butler says that high energy prices are seriously impacting the ability of not-for-profit organizations to provide services to many areas of the province. "It is time for the Minister to do a comprehensive assessment of what these impacts are and to implement a plan to deal with the serious problems which are emerging. She should take responsibility for this situation and move fast to deal with it before it becomes worse. High fuel prices are limiting the ability of organizations to purchase goods and provide transportation for school meal programs, seniors, food banks and other community service activities. Many of these programs operate on a fixed budget and they have no ability to deal with the unexpected increase in fuel prices. Without immediate action by government, the services provided by these groups may be reduced or terminated." The Liberal MHA has issued news releases in the past demanding that government take action to address problems being caused by increasing fuel prices. "The Williams government seems to think it is acceptable to horde increased tax revenues and increased oil royalties while the most vulnerable in our society suffer. There are many things this government can do to alleviate the impacts of high fuel prices and it is time for Minister Burke to personally get involved and deal with the crisis facing not-for-profits in this province." The Liberal Opposition has been calling on the Williams government to come forward with a comprehensive plan to deal with drastically increased fuel prices and a long-term energy plan for the province. Ambulance and school bus operators are just two groups who have recently spoken out about the negative impacts that high fuel prices are having on their ability to provide services to the people in the province. |
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