"Premier Williams has openly stated over the past number of months that government was going to hire external consultants to review departmental programming and identify efficiencies," said Mr. Grimes. "While I have seen many press releases regarding the costs of the numerous studies and consultation sessions being conducted by government, I have yet to see a news release which announces who has been hired to conduct this program review and at what cost to the taxpayer. Are they trying to hide something?

"Through detailed conversations with government sources, we have been given the name of one individual who has already been hired at a cost of $1,500 per day. I wonder how many more people have been hired and at what cost. If this government is as open and accountable as they claim to be, they will release this information immediately. If not, we should find out in approximately 30 days.

"We have already witnessed government downsizing over the past few weeks. Senior positions have been eliminated and programs have been reduced. We need to know the scope of work that these consultants have been asked to undertake so that public servants will have a clearer picture of what further cuts, and in what areas, to expect next.

"I look forward to the opening of the House of Assembly in a couple of weeks. We will then have a true opportunity to hold this government accountable for their decisions and so called "lead by example" approach to governing. The people of the province will then have the opportunity to decide for themselves."