House session exposes major government weaknesses: Opposition

Opposition House Leader and MHA for the District of Burgeo & LaPoile, Kelvin Parsons, says the spring legislative session just concluded was a lengthy one, but was necessary to expose the many shortfalls and gaffs of the Williams government and his ministers.  

The House of Assembly closed today and while government pushed through a number of outstanding bills, it was the Opposition’s strong performance exposing government’s weak spots which commanded the public’s attention.     

“This has been a long session compared to others, as government was finally forced to do some legislative work, but I think for a small caucus we have had one of our strongest sessions yet,” says Parsons. “From the positive feedback we have received, I think the people appreciated the role we played in depicting the true picture of how this government operates versus what they would like you to see and believe.  An Opposition is necessary to keep the government’s feet to the fire, to encourage transparency and to provide solutions that are people directed, rather than imposed by government.”  

Parsons points out that while there were no shortage of issues to raise with government, the session’s highlights were questions on the Abitibi mill expropriation and contamination debacle, the off-the-rails Lower Churchill project, the callous air ambulance move from St. Anthony, the ongoing gaps in health care service, the lack of achievements respecting the fishery, as well as failure to produce a comprehensive plan to strengthen rural communities and regions. 

“This session revealed a government that is tiring and frustrated. The premier is clearly disengaged and at least two of his ministers, the Environment and Health ministers, have proven to be weak, defensive and not on top of their files as diligently as they should.  Further, the House has become so dysfunctional under this government that it is a provincial and national embarrassment.       

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