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Foote says budget does little to help rural Newfoundland and Labrador April 27, 2007 Judy Foote, Opposition Critic for Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and MHA for the District of Grand Bank, says yesterday?s budget does very little to grow opportunities in rural Newfoundland and Labrador and does nothing to address outmigration. "I was very disappointed with the lack of budgetary investment made into the rural regions of our province," said Ms. Foote. "This government had money for many initiatives in preparation for the upcoming election, however, they once again forgot the needs of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. I can only assume this was intentional and they have no interest in strengthening our rural areas for the long-term. "While government announced income tax cuts for the people of the province, it is necessary to have an income before these benefits can be experienced. Thousands of people have left the province in search of employment over the past three years and this budget will result in many more leaving. No emphasis was placed on job creation initiatives, the fishery or new opportunities for our rural communities. Instead, outmigration will continue and government seems content to let it happen. "Rural municipalities were also forgotten in this budget, as there was little investment to help towns adjust to their declining tax base because of outmigration. As a result, services and infrastructure will continue to decline and the opportunity to attract new investment will diminish. This lack of investment will also discourage people from moving into rural regions of our province. "Yesterday?s budget was a prime opportunity for government to finally bring forth some initiatives related to their much-promised rural plan. It is now clear that there was no plan, and therefore no need for any investment. As rural Newfoundland and Labrador stands, this budget was a huge disappointment."
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