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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says the upcoming byelection in Exploits
District will be an important opportunity for the people of rural
Newfoundland and Labrador to send a message to the Williams Government.
"Over the past 18 months, this government has made many decisions that have
negatively impacted rural Newfoundland and Labrador," said Mr. Reid.
"Exploits District has suffered the same government cutbacks as other rural
areas of this province. The people of Exploits now have an opportunity to
send a clear message to Danny Williams and his government that their agenda
of rural cutbacks is not acceptable.
"Similar to other rural areas in the province, the communities in
Exploits know first-hand the impact of this government’s cutbacks and
approach. There have been public sector layoffs and teacher cuts, the
closure of the transportation depot in Northern Arm, the closure of the
courthouse and the Human Resources, Labour and Employment office in Botwood,
the plans to downsize and close schools in Leading Tickles and Bishop’s
Falls, the heavy- handed approach used by government in the crab fishery and
in dealing with the province’s unions, and the roads budget that has
neglected in the district over the past two years.
"In addition to these direct local issues, government has introduced
various pieces of legislation that have not been beneficial to the people of
Exploits. Increased fees and reduced services have forced people to travel
longer distances to get services they enjoyed for years. This government has
not been a friend to the people of Exploits District, nor rural Newfoundland
and Labrador.
"This byelection is not just an opportunity to elect a new Member to the
House of Assembly, it is an opportunity to tell the Williams Government that
their rural cutbacks are not acceptable. It is an opportunity to tell the
Premier that he must invest in rural communities, not remove important
services and infrastructure. It is an opportunity to tell the Premier that
he must pay more attention to the needs of the people in central
Newfoundland.
"This will be the first time Premier Williams faces the electorate since
riding his blue wave to power. This byelection is a referendum on the rural
policies of this government, many of which have harmed our rural
communities. In three weeks, we believe the people of Exploits District will
send the Premier a strong message, that his cuts are not acceptable, and
another Liberal will be elected to stand-up, be vocal and fight for their
rights."
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