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Eddie Joyce, Opposition Transportation and Works Critic and MHA for the
District of Bay of Islands, is calling upon Transportation and Works
Minister John Hickey to recall winter maintenance workers immediately to
ensure equipment is fully operational by October. Last year, as a result
of cutbacks to maintenance depots, winter maintenance staff were not
recalled until December. At that time, there were numerous complaints that
equipment was not ready to begin their operations. This resulted in
dangerous road conditions that were left unattended for significant periods
of time. There was also debate as to whether accidents that occurred during
that period were a result of winter road conditions not being addressed
because of the unavailability of this equipment.
"The time has come to recall the 115 maintenance workers who were laid
off earlier this year," said Mr. Joyce. "Last year, the province was not
prepared to deal with winter weather conditions. Some equipment was
unavailable because necessary repairs and maintenance was not completed in a
timely fashion. Many workers in the department believe these delays were
directly attributable to the late recall of staff.
"Winter weather and black ice conditions can be felt as early as October
in this province. Not having the appropriate level of staff in place to
address these issues until December is very dangerous. By saving a minimal
amount of money, government is putting safety in jeopardy on our highways.
Now is the time to put a full complement of staff in place to ensure all
equipment is ready when needed.
"It is time for government to take responsibility for highway maintenance
in the province. Maintenance depots should not be closed for the summer
season, equipment should be made roadworthy earlier in the season and
workers recalled earlier for the start of the winter season. It is time this
government reversed its decision to close 13 highways depots in the
province. It is obvious that this plan was not well-thought out and I
encourage the minister to keep the depots open year round in 2007."
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