"It is reported in today’s media that the Member for Terra Nova is very upset with the decision of his government to close the Human Resources, Labour and Employment office in his district and the discontinuance of driver examinations in Gambo," said Mr. Grimes. "We have stated from day one that this government makes their decisions without consulting the public or even their own caucus. Mr. Oram’s comments prove this to be true.

"During the estimates committee for Government Services last night, Mr. Oram stated that he feared for public safety with the closure of the weigh scales in the province. Is the Premier concerned that his caucus members are stating they knew nothing about these decisions, and are now voicing concerns publicly, a full two months after the budget was tabled? How can he justify these harmful cuts to the people of the province when his own caucus members are not on side?

"Under questioning in the House of Assembly earlier today, the Minister of Finance indicated that the district by district breakdown of budget initiatives that we received under the Freedom of Information Act was not even provided to government MHA’s. These individuals are now stating they were unaware, unsupportive and are very concerned with the impact of these decisions. If there was any consultation at all, maybe the full frontal attack on rural Newfoundland and Labrador could have been avoided.

"The Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment stated during the estimates committee meeting for her department, that no cost analysis for any of the closed offices was conducted, nor were any consultations held with affected communities. How can this government continue to make unilateral decisions without consulting the affected groups in this province?

"These most recent events prove once again that this government will not consult, but dictate their agenda to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. With the approach of this government, no public service in this province is safe."