"This government continues to create a social deficit by attacking the front line services that the people of the province use on a daily basis," said Mr. Grimes. "It is very easy for this government to eliminate 331 positions, but the negative impact of today’s announcement will have a much greater impact on the vital public services of our province.

"How will the reduction of weigh scale operators improve safety on our highways? How will shutting down 20 Human Resource and Employment Offices improve service to some of our poorest citizens?

"The Minister of Finance continues to demonstrate this government’s growing credibility deficit. In every news release he issues, the minister overstates the deficit in an effort to mislead the people of the province. He also continuously states false information to make our financial situation appear much worse than reality. If he is being up front with the people, why has he not included any of these job cuts in this year’s budget estimates to reflect these savings?

"The minister also stated that 217 of these positions will be eliminated as a direct result of layoffs. During the election campaign, the Premier continuously stated that there would be no layoffs. Once again, the broken promises of this government are quite evident.

"Another 300 positions are slated to be cut in the coming months. Is there any service or government worker safe in this province? It is unfortunate that this government feels they should attack our public sector in such a negative, haphazard and uncaring fashion. In the end, it is the people of Newfoundland and Labrador who will be the biggest losers from this government’s slash and burn agenda."