Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, says
that government’s recent road work announcement for the Bay of Islands is
misleading, inaccurate and does not include any new funding initiatives for
road work in the district."This government has very little concern for
the people of the Bay of Islands," said Mr. Joyce. "All of the road work
funding recently announced by the Minister of Transportation was previously
set aside last year. There is no new funding as the minister would like the
people of my district to believe.
"In his press release of June 17th, the minister stated that
$240,000 will be spent on road work in the Bay of Islands this year. This is
absolutely false and the minister knows it to be untrue. Included in this
figure is the tender for two sections of the Trans Canada Highway between
Riverside Drive and the Lewin Parkway, both of which are located in the
Justice Minister’s District of Humber East. In addition, an upgrade to the
Watson Pond ramp is included in this funding, a project located in the
Premier’s District of Humber West. Why is this government trying to hide
funding announcements for the Premier and Minister? Are they trying to
disguise the minuscule amount of funding actually announced for work in my
district?
"It is obvious that this government is not treating all districts the
same. The people of the Bay of Islands are being punished for voting Liberal
in the last provincial election. Premier Williams campaigned on the premise
that he would provide an open and accountable government, a concept he
obviously knows nothing about. This government can continue with their
creative accounting methods to ensure that extra work gets completed in
their own districts, but my constituents will not be fooled.
"During the election campaign, the Premier promised to complete road work
throughout the Bay of Islands, an effort that would help improve the tourism
industry in this region of our province. After the defeat of his chosen
candidate, it seems he has decided to ignore the people in this area. I ask
the Premier, what happened to your promise to upgrade many of the roads and
infrastructure throughout the Bay of Islands district? It proves once again
that the commitments of this government are worthless."