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$250,000 ad campaign a waste of taxpayers money March 28, 2007 Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says the one-day, $250,000 national ad campaign launched today by the premier is a waste of taxpayers money. The ads, running in national and local newspapers across Canada, are an attempt to encourage voters to vote against the Harper Conservative government in the next federal election. "I certainly think there are better priorities on which we can spend $250,000," said Mr. Reid. "We all know Prime Minister Harper has broken his commitment and should be punished at the polls during the next federal election. As a matter of fact, I didn't trust, nor vote for Mr. Harper during the last federal election. Premier Williams showed poor judgement in doing so and we are now paying the price. "I once again question where the premier's confrontational and vindictive approach will get us with the federal government. We may have to work with this government for one, two or three years and it appears the relationship has been destroyed. The prime minister also appears to be a vindictive individual and the premier's ad campaign will only be another reason for him not to negotiate with us on a loan guarantee for the Lower Churchill, the Trans Labrador Highway, 5-Wing Goose Bay, FPI quota transfers, an early retirement program for the fishery, amongst other issues of importance to the province. "The premier's threats and confrontational approach have done very little to change minds in Ottawa, including our three local Conservative Members of Parliament. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador know a promise was broken and they will send that message when they mark their ballot. Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars will not strengthen our case and will likely hurt our chances of negotiating successful deals on other files. "Premier Williams promised in the last election not to waste money on advertising campaigns. The premier also promised to improve relations with the federal government and have a non-confrontational approach. He broke both of these commitments again today, and I suggest voters use his own logic and vote against him in the next provincial election."
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