"I am flabbergasted by these statements by the premier and minister," said Mr. Joyce. "I have correspondence and media articles from last year that clearly state that these renovations are needed. In an August 20, 2003, press release issued by Mr. Ross Wiseman, the former Health Critic for the PC party, Mr. Wiseman clearly states ‘In order to accelerate plans for a new Corner Brook MRI unit, the government should immediately conclude specifications for building renovations and the technology itself.’

"In a letter sent to the Deputy Minister of Health and Community Services on May 6, 2003, from Dr. John Scott and copied to Danny Williams, Mr. Scott clearly states ‘WMRH has allocated a large area currently being occupied by out-patient physiotherapy services, which is adjacent to the Radiology Department itself, which would be an ideal location for a fixed MRI unit. This would minimize renovation costs, and maximize use of currently existing space.’

"These two instances demonstrate that Premier Williams and Minister Tom Marshall were well aware of the need for these renovations before the election, and their party insisted that these renovations commence immediately without delay. The Western Health Care Corporation is still awaiting approval from the Department of Health and Community Services to commence these renovations, while the people on the west coast still have to travel to St. John’s for MRI testing and the wait list is growing larger in the province.

"Our government made the MRI a priority for the western region and we were committed to finding the extra funds needed for the renovations in the current budget. We were also going to provide the funding needed for the operation of the MRI in Corner Brook in this upcoming fiscal year. I call upon Mr. Williams and Mr. Marshall who were so adamant before and during the election to have this MRI installed, to immediately give approval to the Western Health Care Corporation to ensure there will be no further delay. There has already been a major delay in the renovations for the MRI and I call upon government to immediately move forward with the project.

"My commitment has always been to improve health care facilities in the Corner Brook area, and I will continue to fight for the interests of the people in my region until the MRI unit is operational. I encourage the local health advisory committee and the City of Corner Brook to also pressure government to prevent any further delays in this project."