Opposition Leader Roger Grimes said a tough right-wing budget full of increased fees, reduced services and cancelled projects comes as devastating news for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

 “Our worst fears of slash and burn have come true, and this is just the beginning,” said Mr. Grimes. “Where is the long promised second prong of economic development? Where is the hope? This is an unparalleled assault on rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

 “Creating a social deficit is the wrong approach. The government is moving forward with their massive cuts and has laid out a blueprint for more massive cuts to healthcare delivery.

 “These job cuts will affect every single person in this province. Service reductions are guaranteed. The public service is being gutted in a manner that cannot be sustained. At least 4000 jobs are going to eliminated. That is 4000 fewer people to deliver programs and services…..4000 fewer people paying taxes and buying goods and services. This will be devastating to our economy.

 “In our health system we will see fee increases and a pending bombshell of service reductions in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. I fear these cuts will be so devastating that this government has decided to postpone these decisions in an effort to lessen the immediate backlash that will accompany this budget. Unfortunately, the people of the province will experience these cuts later this year. I fully expect this government to withdraw health services and close clinics in rural areas of our province.

 “Our education system was also a big loser in today’s budget. Unfortunately, our schools will lose almost 500 teachers over the next couple of years and much needed capital works projects have been deferred indefinitely. For a government that claims to believe in the education of our young people, I certainly don’t see any commitment in today’s budget.

 “During the election the Premier said he was committed to revitalizing our rural communities. This budget will make it harder to live in rural parts of our province. He also committed to improve our health and education systems in the province. It is now obvious that this Premier misled the people during the election and has no intention of living up to his election promises. The people of the province did not vote for the creation of a social deficit, they voted for a new approach to government in this province. This budget is a total disaster and will certainly do nothing to improve the services that our people rely upon on a daily basis.”