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George Sweeney, Opposition Critic for Government Services and MHA for the
District of Carbonear-Harbour Grace, said Friday’s unexpected snowfall
demonstrated the impact that a lack of equipment and government cutbacks
have had on snowclearing efforts in the province. "Minister Rideout
continuously states that his government’s cutbacks have had no impact on
snowclearing efforts in the province," said Mr. Sweeney. "Friday’s
unexpected snowfall on the Avalon Peninsula showed the weaknesses in the
system. Many highways and roads on the east coast did not see a plow for
several hours, while people trying to get home from work and school buses
were forced to drive on treacherous road conditions.
"This situation is a growing concern. Everytime there is a major snowfall
in the province, it seems the Department of Transportation and Works is not
equipped to deal with the situation. Concerns have been raised about a
reduced number of plows being used for certain routes on the Northeast
Avalon, a situation that has been blamed for a school bus accident on Friday
afternoon. These cutbacks are clearly a cost-saving measure.
"The minister has consistently stated that there have been no cutbacks to
maintenance personnel in the department. However, in a recent Freedom of
Information request it was confirmed that 13 highway maintenance positions
were indeed terminated and severance costs were paid to these individuals.
There is no doubt that these cutbacks are having a severe impact on the
snowclearing services provided by the Department of Transportation and
Works.
"Minister Rideout can continue to justify his government’s cutbacks to
snowclearing services, however, the proof is in the pudding. Fortunately for
the minister, this has not been a terrible winter in the province, but the
inability of work crews to satisfactorily clear roads is a major problem. I
hope the minister realizes that last year’s cutbacks were not well-thought
out and does not make the same mistake in the upcoming budget."
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