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Jim Bennett, Leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland of Labrador, says
today’s provincial budget does very little to improve services and put money
back into the pockets of average Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
"Today’s budget was cleverly crafted, glosses over many issues, but does
little to help the average person in this province," said Mr. Bennett.
"While government is trying to convince people that they are sharing the
wealth contained in the provincial coffers, it is obvious that they are
trying to do a sell job instead of reflecting reality."
Bennett says government is not giving the whole picture as it relates to
many of the high profile announcements in the budget. While Alzheimer drugs
will be covered under the provincial drug program, these drugs will not be
covered until September and Multiple Sclerosis and Arthritis drugs will not
be included at all. Government claims to be eliminating school fees, but are
not including the high costs to parents associated with purchasing high
school textbooks. Several fees were reduced, however, they are still
collecting a surplus off the backs of the people of the province from such
fees as drivers licences, moose licences, birth certificates and death
certificates. Thirteen highways depots will also remain closed this year
negatively impacting summer and winter road maintenance in the province.
"Government has a $70 million surplus, yet has refused to truly address
many of the issues facing the people in the province. While money is again
being invested into strategies for rural areas of our province, people are
leaving and there are no real results that will put food on their tables.
People can’t eat strategies! Many rural communities are facing immediate
problems, and this government has still not made a significant investment to
find solutions. The Premier is once again deflecting these issues and I fear
the current approach will force more people to leave their homes in search
of work. Where is the budget investment for these people?
"With the province’s significantly improved financial situation, there
was a real opportunity for government to more adequately address the issues
facing all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Instead, government has decided
to sugarcoat many issues instead of fully addressing the problems being
faced by many in the province."
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