"The Premier signed a landmark document with the Prime Minister and other Premiers," said Jones. "Now, just two days later, he has revealed that his government has no intention of dealing with waiting lists, diagnostic services, long-term care or other aspects of health care in this province. His plan includes paying down the deficit, something that is absolutely not acceptable.

"The Health Accord states that new money should be spent in several key areas in order to deal with backlogs and accessibility of services. Premier Williams held a news conference today in which he stated Newfoundland and Labrador’s portion of the funding will be spent not on health care, but on deficit reduction. No matter what the source of funding, this Premier always places the financial bottom line ahead of the health and social needs of the people of the province.

"The Premier has turned his back on the First Ministers and the people of the province. There was no discussion in Ottawa with the Prime Minister or other officials about seeking funds to deal with the deficit. The Premiers outlined problems with the health care system and what new funding was required to find long-term solutions. It is not acceptable for Mr. Williams to use this money for anything less than expanding programs and services and decreasing waiting lists. This is what Newfoundlanders and Labradorians were promised, this is what they should receive."