"The decision to close this office makes no sense," said Mr. Joyce. "I asked several questions regarding this decision during today’s proceedings in the House of Assembly. Unfortunately, the Minister of Finance would not provide me with any concrete answers or justification for the decision. As a matter of fact, the minister confirmed that one gasoline tax auditor would be hired to replace the people that currently work there and that person may work out of their own home. Is this minister living in reality? Does he really think one person working out of their home is a viable option to a full office?

"These jobs are very important to the Corner Brook region and play a vital role in providing gasoline rebates to fishermen on the west coast and northern peninsula. This is just another service reduction for the people of our province. I expect that we will soon see more negative budget decisions uncovered, announcements that were purposely hidden from public scrutiny. This government’s hidden agenda will continue to hurt the people of Corner Brook and the west coast region.

"I am now becoming more and more concerned that other decisions such as the cancellation of the West Coast Exhibition Centre; deferral of Herdman Collegiate renovations; delay of the MRI; and the long-term care facility will not become a reality as the Premier promised in this four year mandate. I have asked for clarification on the funding for these issues and have yet to receive an answer. Does this mean they will not proceed with these projects? With recent hidden budget decisions, I fear these vital initiatives will be on the chopping block."