"We decided in the Fall to give this government an appropriate period to learn the various operations of government to ensure they understood their departments and important files," said Mr. Grimes. "They have now had close to 100 days to move forward in the direction they plan to take this government. It is now time they stand up in the people’s chamber and justify their decisions.

"The people of this province want this government to be held accountable. With the large number of negative decisions that have been made, and those that we expect will be made in the coming weeks, it is imperative to ensure that the people have the opportunity to hear and participate in the public debate. Issues such as the public sector wage freeze, the cancellation of the Long Island Causeway, the recent Metis decision, the cancellation of health care projects in Grand Bank and Grand Falls-Windsor and the tunnel are some of the issues that need to be debated immediately.

"The Opposition will also take the opportunity to hold Mr. Williams accountable for his decisions as Premier and analyze whether his government has a new approach and is truly leading by example. We want to ensure that the cost savings that the Premier claims to have achieved are actually factual. If there is nothing to hide, Mr. Williams should open the House of Assembly and provide us with the opportunity to ask our questions and hear their answers."