"I am particularly concerned about how these cuts will impact on service delivery," said Mr. Langdon. "I want to know if these cuts will affect things such as inspections. Will they be done in a timely manner? Will policy and planning development initiatives for rural areas suffer? Will these cuts result in even longer waiting lists for those requiring much needed home repairs?"

The opposition critic says he has been advised that $2.1 million is being cut over a two year period and most of the cuts are happening outside St. John’s. Seven managers and other support staff have either received their notice or have already been let go. Although there has been no official statement from the minister on this matter, employees are being laid off in Grand Falls-Windsor, Marystown, Gander, and some vacant positions in St. John’s not being filled.

"The results of these cuts will be further centralization of public sector employees in this province. This government continues to talk about rural development, but they have done very little to facilitate any new development. It is evident that this government does not take into account how these cuts will impact the economy of these areas."