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Kelvin Parsons, MHA for the District of Burgeo-Lapoile, is pleased
Government Services Minister Diane Whelan has recognized her mistake of
removing driver examiner services from Burgeo, and reinstated the service
for the benefit of the people of Burgeo and surrounding communities. In
Budget 2004, government removed driver examiner services from many different
communities, including Burgeo. Since that time, the people of Burgeo and
surrounding communities have lobbied government to reverse the decision due
to their geographic location and the hardships being created for the people
trying to obtain and renew their driver’s licences.
"I, along with the people of Burgeo and surrounding communities, have
made representation to Minister Whelan to have this decision reversed," said
Mr. Parsons. "The logic used by the minister in removing this service, and
the money it saved government, was minimal. However, the hardships that were
created for the people in this isolated region were extreme.
"Some individuals in our area were forced to take a day off without pay
and drive three to four hours to Stephenville or Corner Brook to do their
driver’s test or to get their picture taken for their licence. Those needing
to do a driver’s test were forced to find someone to drive them this
distance. Those that failed were expected to go through the same hassle and
make the trip again, often in less than ideal weather conditions. It was
certainly an ill-thought out decision that saved government minimal dollars.
"I am pleased that the sustained pressure applied by the people of Burgeo
and surrounding communities has finally forced the reinstatement of this
service. This minister has seen the error of her decision as it related to
the Port aux Basques weigh scale, and she has now recognized the error of
removing driver examiner services from Burgeo. I hope over the coming months
she and her government recognize more of these poor decisions and reverse
them in the same manner."
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