"The long-term care facility proposed for the Corner Brook, Bay of Islands, West Coast Region, is a high priority for all residents in our area," said Mr. Joyce. "Unfortunately, the Premier and Minister of Health refused to give any commitments to this initiative. Every question that is raised in the House is met with the same response, wait until the budget. Well, once the budget is brought down it is too late to lobby for this facility.

"Can the people of the Corner Brook area expect a long-term health care facility in the budget. Now is the time for pressure to placed on this government to follow through on their commitments. If the Premier and Health Minister continue to brush off these important questions, I fear the worst for the future of this facility.

"The Premier has said that this is a number one priority before and during the election. During the question period, the Premier has stated that the Long-term Facility is now a priority for the Government, not their number one priority and the residents will have to wail until the budget has been announced," says Joyce. "I hope that he follows through with this commitment in next week’s budget. If not, the people of the west coast will not forget his commitment to have the Long Term Facility built in his four year mandate. We must send a message to this Premier right now, keep your promise of a long-term care facility and ensure that funds are committed immediately."