The former Chairman of the Board, Mr. Gordon Seabright, made $10,000 annually. The new Chairman, who will now hold the same position and duties, will make $120,000 annually, an increase of $110,000 to the budget of the MMSB. As a result of this decision, other programs that truly aid in the collection and recycling of beverage containers have been cancelled. One such program is the "Your Strength is Our Strength" recycling program in Peterview which costs approximately $7,000 annually.

"I find it very difficult to understand the priorities of this government, and indeed Minister Osbourne," said Mr. Grimes. "Over the past four years the MMSB has supported this program which has helped a disadvantaged community member of Peterview, an individual who has spearheaded the collection of thousands of recyclable bottles and cans in the area. This individual has now been denied the small amount of money needed to continue the program. In the meantime, the minister raises the annual salary of the Chairman of the MMSB by $110,000. Is this a good usage of money from a recycling program?

"As a result of the minister’s decision, the recycling efforts in Peterview and surrounding areas have stopped and the original intent of the program is being frustrated. I call upon Minister Osbourne to once again review this unjust situation. I would hope that the minister will realize that the purpose of the MMSB was to facilitate recycling programs, not hinder their creation and progress by directing funds into other areas. I hope he will reinstate this minimal amount of funding to allow the recycling program to continue."