"This strike was completely unnecessary and each and every Tory MHA has to shoulder some part of the blame," said Butler. "Day after day in the House of Assembly the PC members have stood to vote to support budget decisions, labour measures and tactics I have never seen used by any other government in the history of this country.

"In the Conception Bay North region during last Fall’s election, I saw Charlene Johnson (Trinity-Bay de Verde) and Tom Hedderson (Hr. Main-Whitborne) parade around the districts speaking of a new approach to governing. I would ask that they come forward and tell us if this indeed is the new approach. I sincerely doubt that members of the public voted for a government that would slash services, increase fees and try to break public sector unions. The arrogance of this government after six short months is appalling."

The Liberal MHA is concerned that local projects will be overlooked during the process of cutting services and reviewing programs. He feels that unless people speak out against the policies of the Conservative government now, these draconian measures will continue.

"I reaffirm my promise to represent the people of Port de Grave to the best of my abilities. That includes fighting for existing needs and keeping government MHAs accountable for their actions. I am asking today that all members in this region question Charlene Johnson and Tom Hedderson about why they are allowing the cutting to go on and why they are in favour of such inhumane treatment of our public service."