News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

 

 

Layoffs compromise highway safety

Road maintenance supervisors are being missed

January 27, 2005

Percy Barrett, Opposition Labour Critic and MHA for the District of Bellevue, says the layoff of seven road maintenance supervisors by the Conservative government earlier this year is now compromising highway safety.

"These road maintenance supervisors are the people who do the initial assessment of road conditions and determine what roads are a priority," said Barrett. "By reducing a number of these positions, the government is reducing their ability to respond to bad weather when it occurs.

"This is yet another clear case of where the government is going too far in its cost saving measures and endangering the traveling public. This move, along with other cutbacks from this government, has made our roads much more dangerous this Winter. There have been reports from all across the province that government service has been in decline this year over past years.

"The unions have already spoken out on this issue and government continues to brush aside their legitimate concerns. It is essential that government reinvest money into highway maintenance personnel for the safety of the traveling public."
 

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