There was $300,000 allocated in this year’s budget for this project. Under questioning the minister stated that these funds will be used to look for land, complete geological studies of the area and put a down payment to secure the property.

"Under questioning today in the House of Assembly, I asked Minister Marshall to confirm that funding was set aside to ensure the completion of the architectural and design work for the long-term care facility in Corner Brook," said Mr. Joyce. "Unfortunately, the minister confirmed that there was no money in this year’s budget for architectural work. As a result of this delay, preliminary work and design for the project will take almost four years before it can even be started. Under questioning, Minister Marshall told me that architectural, design and consultation process will take several years to complete and money will be allocated each year depending on the budget. All of this work has to take place before the actual construction of the facility occurs, and I feel strongly that the construction may not proceed within a four year timeframe.

"This is another broken promise of this government! During the election, the Premier committed to building this facility within his four year mandate. This promise has now been shown for what is was, nothing more than an election ploy to gain votes. By not allocating the necessary funds for this project, the Premier has demonstrated his lack of commitment for a long-term care facility in the Corner Brook region. How much longer will the residents of the Corner Brook-Bay of Islands area have to wait for this vital facility?

"I feel strongly that the members of the Long-Term Care Committee, the City of Corner Brook and people of the Bay of Islands region were totally misled by the Premier and his government. The list of broken promises continues to get bigger. This government has cancelled renovations to Herdman Collegiate; cancelled the West Coast Exhibition Centre; eliminated the Department of Finance Office in Corner Brook; cut Corner Brook’s Municipal Operating Grant; cut hundreds of teaching positions; and have announced thousands of public sector layoffs. When will this full frontal attack on the people and services of this province stop?