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Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, is asking the Premier,
Minister of Justice and Minister of Health if money was actually allocated
for a long-term care facility in Corner Brook in this year’s budget. Both
individuals have stated that money has been allocated for the project, but
to date nobody seems to know where this money is located and its purpose.
"There was apparently $300,000 hidden in this year’s budget for work on a
long-term care facility for Corner Brook," said Mr. Joyce. "However, nobody
seems to know where this money is budgeted or even if it is forthcoming for
this project.
"In a letter I received on May 10th from Mr. Allan Kendall, Chief
Executive Officer for the Western Health Care Corporation, he states that he
has not received any information regarding this funding, nor its purpose. Is
it or is it not a priority?
"After receiving this letter, I spoke to Mr. Israel Hann, Chairman of the
Long-Term Care Foundation, who also stated that he has not been given any
notification regarding government’s plans related to this facility. Mr. Hann
has not been able to get any answers from this government since the budget
was announced.
"Minister Marshall has stated to members of the Long-Term care committee
that land has been put aside for the project, yet the City of Corner Brook
has not been consulted or notified of this decision. If funding has been
approved, why is government refusing to provide any information? Is this
just a delaying tactic for what could eventually become another broken
promise?
"The Premier committed to this long-term care facility before, during and
after the election to be completed and operational in this four year
mandate. I ask him to now honour his commitment and once and for all tell
the people of the Corner Brook region when the details of this project will
be announced. We have been asking questions for seven months, now is the
time for this government to give us a response." |