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Liberal Opposition Critic for Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development and MHA for the District of Grand Bank, Judy Foote,
says while it is reassuring to see two Liberal generated
projects continue to boost the economy, she is concerned that
troubled rural economies are not receiving the assistance they
need to from the current Conservative government to remain
viable. The Liberal MHA says reports that Newfoundland and
Labrador will lead Canada in economic growth this year, largely
attributable to projects like Voisey’s Bay and White Rose, masks
the reality that is taking place out in regions that are
primarily rural.
"Clearly, the benefits from the projected growth in the
economy are not extending out to the wider areas of this
province," says Foote. "In fact, what we have seen happen in the
last three years in this province is a widening of the gap
between the economies in urban and rural areas. The rural
economy is experiencing tremendous hardship at this time and
this government refuses to give the issue the attention it
warrants and put a stop to this heartbreaking decline. As a
consequence, people have had no other choice but to seek
employment and a better lifestyle in other provinces. What we
are seeing are communities losing their youth, their families
and their tax base. Sadly, we also see a premier not at all
concerned by this trend as evidenced by his homing pigeon
remarks, suggesting that departing Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians will eventually find their way back home.
"I suggest that the premier’s lack of leadership on the
fishery issue has probably driven the largest and the most
devastating stake into the heart of rural existence and its
long-term viability. He has allowed communities like Harbour
Breton, Fortune and Stephenville and regions like the Great
Northern and Burin Peninsulas to weather their challenges alone.
His silence and his inaction on fishery issues is truly
perplexing and his attempt to distance himself from taking
responsibility is insulting.
"Not only has the premier and this government been complacent
and unaccountable to rural residents, he and his government have
been active participants in the destruction of their communities
as they cut government offices and other services. His
appreciation for rural living and its value to our province
continues to remain paltry and as a consequence, there has been
a dramatic decline of economic activity and unparallel
outmigration from our rural communities under his leadership."
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