News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

 

 

Sweeney says Wente article shows lack of understanding

Globe should educate itself

January 10, 2005

George Sweeney, MHA for Carbonear - Harbour Grace District, says the recent article that appeared by Margaret Wente in the Toronto Globe and Mail indicates the level of ignorance and misinformation this province faces from some people who are stuck in a central Canadian mindset.

"It is really sickening when you read something like this in a newspaper that claims to be Canada’s National Newspaper," said Sweeney. "It shows the nature of the communications challenge which we face as a province as we fight to get our rightful share of offshore resources. Ms. Wente’s article in the Globe and Mail attacked the people of this province in a way that is simply not acceptable.

"It is warming to hear Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in this province and living around the country speaking out loudly against these comments. In Carbonear, a community specifically slurred in this article, people are speaking out loudly against the allegations made against them. People in Carbonear work hard like all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and should be complimented for growing the local economy.

"Carbonear is a community that should be considered an example for the rest of the country. The town continues to grow as an economic base in the Conception Bay North region and the economy has diversified and attracted new industry. Economic growth in such a community following the collapse of the cod fishery in 1992 should be commended, not condemned.

"If the Globe and Mail had even one employee stationed in this province, they might have a better feel for the work ethic of the people. It is time for national reporters to take the time to understand issues and national grievances before tossing them aside in scathing editorials not based on any facts or reason."
 

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