Government voted against a private member’s motion earlier today calling for an economic summit in the province to deal with the global economic downturn and its impact on Newfoundland and Labrador. Opposition Finance Critic Kelvin Parsons says the decision is short-sighted and non-inclusive.

“There are major problems taking place in our local economy impacting thousands of jobs,” said Mr. Parsons. “I can’t understand why government would not want to call together business, industry and labour to see what options and potential solutions can be put on the table.”

Over the past few weeks, Abitibi-Bowater closed their mill in Grand Falls-Windsor; Wabush Mines announced cutbacks and layoffs of 160 workers; IOC announced a one month closure of their Labrador West operations and an indefinite delay of their $800 million expansion project; Vale Inco announced a one month closure of the Voisey’s Bay mine in July; the Come By Chance refinery expansion is on hold; a second refinery in Placentia Bay has been shelved indefinitely; and the Duck Pond mine has announced layoffs .

“It is unfortunate that government cannot look past politics and see the merit in an economic summit. Just because this was a motion put forward by the Opposition shouldn’t be a reason for it to be rejected. We believe the Premier should Chair such a summit and take whatever credit necessary if solutions are found. The ultimate goal of everybody involved should be looking at ways of getting through this financial crisis with as little damage as possible.

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