News Release
Office of the Official Opposition
 

Government must release marine study

Let people judge for themselves
February 17, 2004

Yvonne Jones, Labrador Affairs critic and MHA for Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, is asking for the immediate release of the study of the Labrador Marine Service done by the Public Policy Institute at Memorial University.

"I have filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act to ensure that the people receive a copy of this report," said Ms. Jones. "If this government was truly committed to an agenda of openness and accountability, they would release the report immediately.

"The people of this province do not need government public relations officers to interpret the findings of this report. Constituents in my district have told me that they would like to see this report as soon as it is received by government. The minister should do the responsible thing and forward copies immediately."

The Liberal MHA has been asking for several months that Transportation Minister Tom Rideout remove himself from discussions about this service. "The minister clearly wants this service moved back to his home district of Lewisporte. I cannot blame any MHA for encouraging services for their own district. It is unfortunate, however, that Mr. Rideout is in a position where he could abuse his ministerial power to the possible detriment of the Labrador coast.

"I call on the premier to remove his minister from this file before he and his staff compromise the independent study."

Media Contact:
Jeff Mackey
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427