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Opposition Leader Roger Grimes says Premier Williams should have sent
Natural Resources Minister Ed Byrne to an offshore oil conference in Houston
this week and stayed in the province to deal with the ongoing crab dispute
and an international overfishing conference taking place in St. John’s. "I
question the priorities of this Premier," said Mr. Grimes. "While it is
important to have a presence at this international oil conference, in light
of current circumstances in the province the Premier should have sent the
Minister of Natural Resources in his place. In 2003, because of a situation
that was developing in the fishery, I sent the Minister of Mines and Energy
to represent me at this same conference. It is interesting that Nova Scotia
and Alberta both sent their respective ministers this year, while the
Premier felt this conference was a bigger priority than the crab dispute
currently engulfing the economy of this province.
"In addition to the ongoing crab dispute, there is currently an
international overfishing conference taking place. This would have been a
perfect opportunity for the Premier to meet and discuss fishing issues with
representatives from fishing nations around the world, including those
nations that are being accused of foreign overfising. While he may have
delivered a short speech on the opening night of the conference, his absence
is certainly being noticed by those in attendance.
"I hope the Premier’s decision to avoid the crab dispute and this
important conference is not a reflection on his attitude and commitment to
the fishing industry in this province. He has already demonstrated that he
has no understanding of fishery issues, and the decision to leave the
province at a very crucial point for our fishery doesn’t reflect well on our
Premier.
"It is also very suspect that the Progressive Conservative caucus
expelled Fabian Manning while the Premier was away. This situation seems to
be a little too perfect for the Premier not to have planned such an event.
The next time the Premier is confronted with issues of a pressing nature in
this province, I suggest he stay at home to deal with the issue. He should
also do his own dirty work instead of leaving it for his caucus members to
do while he is away."
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