"My district is one of the most rural in the province," said Mr. Reid. "Due to the geography of the region that I represent, there is a great necessity for government services. There are two hospitals, several schools and a ferry service that I worry will be adversely affected by Premier Williams planned cutbacks.

"Mr. Williams spoke very negatively about the province’s finances on Monday night but did not present any solutions. Does this mean that the nursing and teaching positions in my district will be reduced? Will there be cutbacks, fee increases or schedule reductions for our ferry service? Will normal infrastructure work still be completed? There are too many questions that this government will not answer. From a leader who suggested that he had real solutions during the election campaign, it now appears his solutions are to force people out of rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

"If we want any meaningful change to take place in this province we must grow the economy and start new business. The Premier’s message has actually scared the business community. Instead of promoting confidence in our growing economy, Mr. Williams has sent a message to potential investors that our economic climate is much worse than reality. Who would want to start a new business in my district after listening to the doom and gloom message of this government?

"The people of Twillingate-Fogo and the province deserve much more than the message of cutbacks and unilateral decisions that was presented by this government. If this is the style of government that we will have for the next four years, I am very concerned for the health and viability of rural Newfoundland and Labrador."