"This is a very devious right-wing Conservative government and they are cutting back and neglecting services to the public in an attempt to create a political climate where privatization would be acceptable," said Sweeney.

The comments by the Opposition Critic come after reports that people trying to get drivers licences had to wait excessive periods of time to get a road test. The long waiting lists and complete lack of service which exists around the province has been caused by cutbacks introduced by the government and the lack of ability to clear up the backlog created during the month long public sector strike this Spring.

"It is obvious that the political leadership is not there to take the actions that are needed to solve these problems and see that the public gets the kind of service they have a right to expect. These are problems that should have been anticipated and that can even now be dealt with very quickly but I suspect there is something more at work.

"We had similar backlogs and staffing shortages arise last summer when I was minister in the department. It was a simple decision to hire additional staff in certain locations to help alleviate the problems that existed and the cost was minimal. If government really wanted to provide adequate services to the public, they could easily do so."

The Liberal MHA has raised concerns about governments privatization agenda in the past and he says what he is seeing happen now renews his fears in this regard.