Reid claims that while the government cancelled a school in L’anse au Loup and deferred redevelopments at Herdman Collegiate in Corner Brook and Leary’s Brook in St. John’s, it approved funding for St. Bernard’s school in the Minister of Finance’s District.

"The three schools that were cancelled and deferred were top priorities of their respective school boards," said Mr. Reid. "The Liberal Government had committed the funds and architectural and engineering work had been planned for months.

"On the other hand, St. Bernard’s in Witless Bay was never a priority for the Avalon East School Board. In fact, the Board proposed to government that it be closed just two years ago. I believe this is a flagrant abuse of power by the Minister of Finance, the man who holds the purse strings for the Province. Premier Williams has repeatedly stated that there is no place for politics in decision making. However, he has obviously turned a blind eye to the antics of his Finance Minister."