"This government continuously states that we are on the verge of bankruptcy," said Mr. Grimes. "Yesterday afternoon on a local news program, a Moody’s bond rating official said our province is not on the verge of bankruptcy. If we were they would not give us an "A" credit rating.

"This government is trying to convince the people of the province that our finances are in a terrible state of disarray. If this is true, why does the Premier receive a $20,000 housing allowance plus an $8,000 car allowance and a gas allowance. All Ministers, including the Speaker and myself, also receive the car allowance. If this government needs to achieve savings, a first step would be to eliminate this $200,000 expense. I’m willing to make the sacrifice, is the Premier and his Ministers?

"We currently have 20,000 public servants on strike, cancelled projects, deferred initiatives, increased fees, decreased services and many cutbacks as a result of this government’s budget. Why doesn’t the Finance Minister start at the top and amend the budget to include this annual savings of $200,000. Our caucus will support this initiative 100 per cent.

"The people of Newfoundland and Labrador would reap the benefit of these savings in the way of increased services, reduced layoffs and improved programs. If this government expects the people of the province to make sacrifices, this government must start at the top and truly lead by example."