"Out of the many flaws I see with the Premier’s address, I am particularly concerned with his intention to reduce the number of representatives in the House of Assembly," said Ms. Jones. "The intention of his government is to adjust the number of seats according to population demographics, meaning a reduction in the number of seats for rural areas.

"I am particularly concerned about what this might mean for Labrador where we have a small population, large land mass and four current members. It is already difficult for four MHAs to travel a land mass that is larger than the entire Island which has 44 current representatives.

"Current PC caucus members were not made aware of the contents of the Premier’s speech and I must question how such important decisions could be made without consultation with rural MHAs. Mr. Williams should immediately announce which areas he will target with these seat reductions. Are they Labrador seats? Are they regions that voted Liberal in the last election? His own rural caucus members? The people want answers."

The MHA disagrees with the philosophy of this government and believes that Mr. Williams has no social conscience when managing this province.

"Governance is a process by which politicians must determine what balance can be achieved when considering social needs and economic realities. Mr. Williams has made it clear that he intends to run government as a business, recklessly reducing service levels and cutting programs to serve his budget priorities.

"Now is the time for real leadership and direction. Mr. Williams must abandon this slash and burn attitude and listen to the response the people have given to his address. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will not stand for mass cutbacks that will send us backwards once again.

"The saying that Tory Times are Hard Times has rung true once again. I anticipate Mr. Williams will lead the first one term government in our history."