News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

 

 

Parsons pleased that Minister leaves door open for Burgeo appointment

February 24, 2005

Kelvin Parsons, MHA for the District of Burgeo - La Poile, says he is pleased with a response to a letter he recently sent to Health Minister John Ottenheimer concerning a request to have representation from the Burgeo area on the new Western Regional Integrated Health Authority.

"I voiced the displeasure of the residents of Burgeo who were left unrepresented when appointments were made to the new health board," said Parsons. "In fact, the Minister said there is additional space to appoint another member and he has no problem appointing a representative from Burgeo if recommended by the board.

"I have now written Mr. Anthony Genge, the Board Chair of the Western Regional Integrated Health Authority, asking that he honour my request to provide representation for Burgeo and surrounding communities on this new board. The Minister and I are both awaiting a response from the Board Chair. I will continue to lobby government and the board until a representative is accepted."

Parsons says it is very important that a representative be placed on the board for Burgeo. "Not only would this individual serve the interested of Burgeo, but also the remote communities of Ramea, Grey River, Francois and Grand Bruit who use the ferry to access the Calder Health Care Centre. There was always a representative from this area on the old Western Health Care Board and I cannot see any reason for that not to continue under the new structure."

 

Media Contact:
Jeff Mackey
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427