"I asked the Minister of Health and Community Services today to commit that all new health dollars will be invested in people," said Jones. "The minister refused to make such a commitment and implied the money could go towards the deficit.

"There are many health care needs in this province today. The budget announced by the right wing Conservative government will make an already strained health care system worse. I asked her to direct new money towards deferred or cancelled initiatives such as the Grand Bank health facility and Alzheimer’s medications. I also suggested that a new chronic care program be set up in response to the findings of a study done by Memorial University for the Canadian Cancer Society. Unfortunately, this minister fails to recognize the health care needs of residents in this province."

The Liberal MHA is concerned with the reaction of the Premier yesterday when the Prime Minister announced addition monies for health care. In several news articles, the Premier is quoted as being ‘delighted’ with the funding announcement. In total, the funding will result in approximately $50 million for Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Premier Williams is the only leader in Canada who reacted so positively. All the other provincial and territorial leaders felt the funding was too little too late and that more could be done for the people. Our Premier decided to once again to pass up an opportunity to ask for more money from Ottawa. I agree that $50 million will help, but it is just a small step towards restoring Federal Transfers to levels prior to 1994/1995."