Parsons challenges Prime Minister to
update people of the province on possible missile launch
On the eve of a meeting between Prime Minster Stephen Harper and Premier
Danny Williams, Opposition House Leader and MHA for the District of
Burgeo-Lapoile, Kelvin Parsons, is challenging the prime minister to come
clean and provide the people of Newfoundland and Labrador with a clear
explanation of what caused the incident that occurred in the skies off the
south coast of the province on Tuesday evening.
Reports and photos have shown that a possible missile was launched in the
waters off the Burin Peninsula on Tuesday evening. While media reports out
of France have indicated that this may have been a ballistic missile test
from the French military, the Canadian Government is providing no updates on
the incident.
“There is so much mystery surrounding this incident that people are becoming
very concerned,” said Mr. Parsons. “Some reports are now suggesting that
French ballistic missiles were launched just off our coast. If these reports
are true, there are many questions that need to be answered regarding
jurisdiction, public safety, lack of public notices and whether this will
happen again. If there is some other explanation as to exactly what took
place and why, I am certain the people of the province would appreciate the
facts.
“The silence
from the federal government on this issue is allowing rumours to run rampant
and is certainly creating concern for people living in the area. What is
needed is some up-front honesty as to what caused this situation and whether
there was any potential threat to residents. If this incident was caused by
another nation, what has been Canada’s reaction? Without any answers
forthcoming from the federal government, it is vital that the Prime Minister
be forced to provide an update to the people tomorrow during his visit to
our province.”- 30 -
Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
Tel: (709) 729-6151 or (709) 687-0477