Opposition Leader Roger Grimes says leaked documents sent to
the Opposition indicate that government has no concrete strategy for rural
development in the province. The internal documents from the Department of
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development indicate a level of dissatisfaction
within the department and reveal a lack of any plan for rural communities.
Attached to the documents was an e-mail from Deputy Minister Doug House
telling departmental staff that they would track down anyone who leaks
information from the department and punish them appropriately."I was
amazed when I read these documents to find out that this government has no
solid plan for rural development in the province," said Mr. Grimes. "This
government stated that their number one priority was economic development in
the province. These documents prove that there is nothing new or innovative
in their approach. In actual fact, the documents show senior officials
criticizing government’s cutbacks, decisions that have already damaged
potential non-profit groups and development projects in rural areas.
"While the whistleblower in the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development should be commended for raising these issues publicly, I am very
disappointed that Doug House and Minister Dunderdale have commenced a witch
hunt to track down the individual. It is apparent that this person is
looking out for the best interests of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We
need the truth, something this government has been hiding for the first ten
months of their mandate!"
The internal documents provide detailed information on a number of
programs including the Community Economic Development and Regional
Diversification Program (CEDRD); Business Retention and Expansion Project
(BR&E); Community Capacity Building Program (CCB); Community Economic
Development Information/Counseling Service; and Regional Economic Planning
and Development Services.
"This government promised that they would be open and accountable.
Earlier this year, before the budget and during the strike, government
encouraged employees and the public to come forward with suggestions. It
appears now that they have changed their minds and want a prison like
atmosphere where employees cannot raise issues of concern without
punishment. I suggest that Minister Dunderdale allow employees to raise
their concerns, and allow the public to have access to their discussion
documents to provide public input into the analysis now occurring in her
department. If this government was more open and accountable, we would not
have to rely on government employees to provide information to the public.
We are hearing stories from groups that are being adversely impacted because
of the funding cuts and lack of planning by this government. I encourage
other employees to come forward and tell the real agenda of this government
before it is too late."