George Sweeney, MHA for Carbonear-Harbour Grace district, believes the direction of the conservative government will propel us backwards over the next four years.

"This region has reaped the benefits from the recent investments of the Liberal government," said Sweeney. "There is no question that the deficit should not be taken lightly. It is the responsibility of the government to strike the proper balance to provide services, control expenditures and grow the economy. Implementing a slash and burn policy will stunt current growth and create a social deficit and cause out-migration that will be detrimental to future generations.

"The health care system is already stretched to the breaking point. It is unfair to expect that workers and users of the health care system should shoulder the burden that these measures cause.

"In fact, the health care needs in this region continue to increase. The Health Minister has already informed me that the opening date for a new dialysis unit has been delayed until next summer. CBN had also been identified as a site for a new long term care facility. I hope that this much needed facility will meet the test of this government."

The MHA also questions what input the two area conservative members had in the decision to move forward with these cuts and dramatically altered approach to what was outlined in their election platform.

"Tom Hedderson and Charlene Johnson have been completely silent throughout this entire ordeal," said Mr. Sweeney. "The people elected them to carry out a job. That job entails looking after the best interests of the people and living up to the promises made during the election.

"I can assure these members that the residents of Conception Bay North are not pleased with the direction of this new government and I call on them to immediately speak out publicly on this issue."