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Judy Foote, Opposition Critic for Business and MHA for the District of Grand
Bank, is questioning the necessity of today’s press conference announcing a
stylized picture plant as a new brand for Newfoundland and Labrador, while
so many serious issues require investment in this province.
"While there are those who may think branding the province is a priority
at this time, I question the priorities of a government that chooses to
spend in excess of $1 million on a new brand when many of our people have no
idea where their next paycheque will come from, or if there will even be a
next paycheque," said Ms. Foote.
"Thousands of people continue to leave our province, yet this government
reduces the amount of funding it puts into community enhancement programs
that would make it possible for people to be employed in their communities
and would obviously benefit entire regions. Such programs help ensure the
survival of rural areas of our province, while a diligent government should
be working to attract investment to these areas.
"If this government thinks that a stylized pitcher plant as a brand,
which will need to be explained, will make a difference in attracting
investment or showing the world that this is a cool province, it is no
wonder that after three years in office this government has nothing to show
for its efforts. I think the premier has failed miserably to make a
difference in this province, despite his own highly touted business
experience. Turning now to branding as one means to accomplish what he has
been unable to do to date speaks volumes of his failure to achieve anything
substantial since he took office.
"The idea of focusing so much energy and money on a branding initiative
at this point in time when there are bread and butter issues facing our
people reminds me of the line "Nero fiddled while Rome burned". The Premier
must take off his blinders and take a personal interest in the plight of
those who live in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. Many of these individuals
have been asking him to get personally involved to help resolve the
difficult circumstances in which so many find themselves through no fault of
their own. I ask the premier to apply the same energy and resources to
helping those individuals that he applied to ensuring a new brand for our
province."
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