News Release
Office of the Official Opposition
 

Joyce pleased that VON strike finally over

September 24th, 2004

Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, says he is pleased that an agreement has been reached to end the two month old VON strike in western Newfoundland and that home care services in the region can now return to normal.

"I’ve been asking the government to get involved and end this strike for the past two months," said Mr. Joyce. "I am glad they finally came to their senses. In my press release last Friday, I asked the Premier to use some of the new health care funding guaranteed by the federal government to resolve this strike. It is good that the Premier has finally decided to take my advice, listen to the people, and end this strike for the good of everyone involved.

"I am hopeful that this new program announced for the VON will be successful and government will increase grants to all home care agencies across the province. Home care is a very important issue and more funding needs to be injected into the system over the coming months and years. This is a positive first step, but much more needs to be done to ensure our home care program is strong for years to come."

Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6151 or 709-687-0477