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Roland Butler, Opposition Critic for the Department of Human Resources,
Labour and Employment and MHA for Port De Grave, is seeking clarification
from Minister Joan Burke about the status of remaining regional offices
around the province. "I am hearing some reports that there will be another
round of office closures announced this year and possibly job reductions
within the department," said Butler. "It is time for the Minister to either
say what the department plans to do or state that there will be no further
closures or layoffs."
Last May the Conservative government announced the closure of 20 HRLE
offices around the province that provide services to some of the poorest
people in the province. "I am personally aware of cases where these closures
have caused hardship for income support clients and I have heard of others
from around the province.
"At the time these initial cuts were made, I was alarmed at the lack of
analysis done to determine if the cuts would actually save money and what
problems they would cause for people. Now that I am hearing speculation that
there may be further cuts I have these same concerns. Government has acted
without a plan in the past and it appears they are poised to do the same
thing again."
The Liberal MHA also says these cuts to offices in rural Newfoundland and
Labrador are sending the wrong message about the viability of rural areas.
"How can businesses and investors have confidence when the government is
packing up and leaving. More office closures would be further evidence that
this government is not concerned about what happens in rural areas of this
province."
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