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Opposition Leader Roger Grimes says recently finalized
cutbacks to the staffing budget of the Official Opposition are an attack on
the fundamental principles of the democratic process. On January 8th,
the staffing budget of the Official Opposition was cut by 25 per cent and
will impact six full-time positions. In March,
the PC’s indicated that they were going to introduce a new formula that
would allocate money for research capacity and replace the existing block
funding. This new formula was finalized earlier this month and will reduce
the staffing budget of the Opposition by $150,000 from that of fiscal year
2003-04. The formula chosen maintains the existing level of funding for the
Government Members Office, while the Opposition Office budget is
dramatically reduced. The budget for the Premier’s Office is not affected by
this decision.
"The role of the Opposition is to hold government
accountable for their decisions on behalf of the people of the province,"
said Mr. Grimes. "The recent staffing cuts for our office demonstrate that
this government has no respect for the democratic process. When the
Progressive Conservative Party was the Official Opposition, they were given
additional funding to ensure they were able to provide an effective
Opposition. It is disappointing that they have now turned around and cut our
staffing funds by 25 per cent. Is this an acceptable practice in a
democracy?
"This is another step by this government to silence
its critics. Last fall, we witnessed the budget of the Access to Information
and Privacy Commissioner slashed dramatically. Will the Office of the
Ombudsman or the Child and Youth Advocate be slashed next?
"The Premier is already on record as stating that he
wants a smaller House of Assembly, this will undoubtably mean fewer rural
seats. He has stated that the House of Assembly is a waste of time, this has
been demonstrated by his lack of attendance. This Premier is not committed
to the democratic process and is using these cutbacks as a shot across our
bow. This intimidation will not work.
"It is obvious that this government had concerns
regarding our strong effectiveness as an Opposition. While we have lost
several full-time positions within our office and this presents a new
challenge, we will continue to mount an effective Opposition. Our resolve is
now greater than ever and we will continue to hold this government
accountable for decisions that are not in the best interests of the people
of the province."
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