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Judy Foote, MHA for the District of Grand Bank, says windfall profits from
oil revenues because of high oil prices should be used to ensure the Premier
keeps his election promise to the people on the Burin Peninsula and allow
for the continued construction of the replacement health care facility in
Grand Bank. Government halted construction of the health care facility in
Grand Bank as part of the 2004 budget. The reason given at the time for
cancelling the project was the fiscal situation of the province and reducing
the annual deficit.
"The Premier has said that some of these new revenues will be spent on
improving health care and infrastructure in the province," said Foote. "A
portion of any new revenues should now be earmarked for completion of the
health care facility in Grand Bank to replace the old cottage hospital and
long-term care facility that no longer meet the needs of the people on the
Burin Peninsula. These unexpected oil revenues are over and above
government’s projected revenues and should be used to finish projects like
the health care facility that were cut in last year’s budget.
"The last two provincial budgets tabled by Premier Williams’ government
contained very little for the people on the Burin Peninsula. There are
essential health services such as dialysis, CT scans and long-term care that
are being compromised because of government’s refusal to fund new health
care initiatives for the area."
The Liberal MHA says it is time that the Premier kept his promise now
that he can no longer use the province’s fiscal situation as a reason for
not proceeding with this badly needed health care facility for the region.
"I have been fighting hard for these essential health services for the Burin
Peninsula. Now that Burin-Placentia West MHA Clyde Jackman has been
appointed a Parliamentary Secretary, maybe he will have some influence and
ensure the residents of the Burin Peninsula receive the services they not
only need, but deserve."
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