|
Roland Butler, Opposition Human Resources, Labour and Employment Critic and
MHA for the District of Port de Grave, is calling on Minister Joan Burke to
get involved and survey the impact of high fuel prices on the volunteer
sector in this province. "The Williams Government seems to think it is
acceptable to horde increased tax revenues and increased oil royalties while
the most vulnerable in our society suffer," said Butler. "There are many
things this government can do to alleviate the impacts of high fuel prices
and it is time for Minister Burke to personally get involved and deal with
the crisis facing not-for-profits in this province.
"It is my understanding that high energy prices are seriously impacting
the ability of not-for-profit organizations to provide services to many
areas of the province. It is time for the Minister to do a comprehensive
assessment of what these impacts are and to put into place a plan to deal
with the serious problems which are emerging. She should take responsibility
for this situation and move fast to take action because the impact of high
energy prices is likely to get worse before it gets better."
The Liberal MHA raised the issue earlier this month, but is unaware of
any action being taken by government. " I raised concerns that high fuel
prices were limiting the ability of organizations to purchase goods or
provide transportation for school meal programs, seniors, food banks and
other community service activities. Many of these programs operate on a
fixed budget and they have no way of dealing with the unexpected increase in
fuel prices. Without immediate action by government, the services provided
by these groups will be reduced or terminated."
|