|
Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says he finds it very interesting that
government ministers are attending events in central Newfoundland in record
numbers this month, the same ministers who were not available to attend
similar speaking events over the past year and a half. Reid wonders whether
government ministers are using these speaking events to cover travel costs
to central Newfoundland, but actually using the opportunity to campaign for
the PC candidate in the Exploits by-election. "Over the past week and
half, government ministers have been issuing press releases announcing
speaking events scheduled in various parts of central Newfoundland," said
Mr. Reid. "These are the same ministers who were almost invisible in the
region over the past 18 months. Similar requests by other groups in the
region to attend their events before the by-election were turned down. These
same groups now find it very strange that these speaking events are taking
place during a by-election in the area. Is this a coincidence?
"Where were these ministers when public sector layoffs and teacher cuts
took place? Where were these ministers when the transportation depot in
Northern Arm was closed? Where were these ministers when the courthouse and
the Human Resources, Labour and Employment office in Botwood were closed?
Where were these ministers when fish harvesters in Leading Tickles were
concerned about the raw material sharing plan for the crab industry? Where
were these ministers when school restructuring was first announced? These
ministers were nowhere to be seen when issues in the region needed to be
addressed. Now, it appears these concerns are important because there is a
by-election taking place.
"While it is very important for government to take advantage of speaking
opportunities to various groups throughout the province, this attempt to pay
for travel costs with public funds is transparent. If these ministers were
truly committed to the issues faced in central Newfoundland, they would be
attending events throughout the year, not just the three weeks during a
by-election."
|