Yesterday afternoon during a Private Member’s debate, Minister Rideout stated that letters had been written to all three federal party leaders months ago looking for pre-election commitments on provincial issues. He also stated that Conservative Leader Stephen Harper hand delivered his response at a caucus meeting in March. Both statements were proven to be false in today’s session of the House of Assembly.

"It is not acceptable for a minister of the crown to knowingly provide false information to the people of the province," said Mr. Grimes. "While Minister Rideout stated letters were sent to all three federal party leaders months ago, a statement that was nothing more than an effort to cover up his government’s ineptitude, the Premier confirmed today that he only sent a letter to the Prime Minister yesterday. Is this the sign of a government that is trying to get commitments for the people of the province. We are currently in the midst of a federal election campaign and now is the time to secure these commitments.

"Minister Rideout also stated that Conservative Leader Stephen Harper hand delivered his commitments to their caucus in March. We have since received a copy of this letter. While their caucus meeting was held on March 4^th, the letter wasn’t received by government until March 16^th. Another false statement!

"The arrogance of this Premier and his government is growing each and everyday. They make jokes about misleading the House of Assembly and the people of the province. I suggest to the Premier and his Ministers that misleading the people is no joking matter. This government may feel they can get away these false statements, but I caution government members that the people of the province will not tolerate this behavior, nor remain silent forever."