mardi, octobre 09, 2007
NDP Newfoundland and Labrador NDP Leader reaffirms the NDP's commitment to Labrador
Labrador City: NDP Leader, Lorraine Michael today reaffirmed the NDP's commitment to the people of Labrador while visiting the Darrel Brenton Campaign for Labrador West.
"The NDP is committed to the people of Labrador. We have spoken out on a number of issues that are important to its citizens. We have fought for more equitable funding for medical transportation to make health care accessible for everyone and will continue to do so."
"People need to make multiple visits and often are still waiting for the reimbursement of their first trip when they are their way to the third doctor's visit," said Michael. The cost for people to travel from Labrador to the island for specialist’s appointments or procedures is restrictive.
The NDP has been calling for an external review of the healthcare system. The review would look at staffing and medical travel, both of which are critical to the people of Labrador. There has been a new hospital planned for Labrador West. Government has not looked at the services that are actually needed in the community. "The refrain has been 'we are building a hospital', but government has not reviewed the specific services that are needed before construction begins. This already puts the proposed hospital at a disadvantage since they will be fitting in the services, not planning the building to fit the needs of the community like palliative care and other specialized services."
The Conservatives released their energy plan on the eve of the election. There is nothing in the plan to enhance industrial development in Labrador other than the actual construction of the Lower Churchill. Government is short sighted in expecting existing companies to expand, or new industries to build, without there being clear commitments to the availability of power in the area. Neither is there anything in the plan to indicate that government recognizes the need to address residential electrical needs on the coast of Labrador.
The Conservatives claim they are supportive of Labrador issues however since they have been in government there has been no progress on the completion of the Trans Labrador Highway (TLH). There is still incomplete cell phone coverage along the highway, something which is a necessity to meet the needs of people traveling on the TLH. The lack of a 9-1-1 system for Labrador and the whole province is an issue of public safety.
The resources of Labrador have long been used for the benefit of all people of the province. In this time of new found wealth it is time to start re-investing a fair share in Labrador.
"For too long the people of Labrador have received too small a share of the benefits from the development of their resources,” said Michael.
Michael is delighted to visit Labrador West. "The NDP campaign is on the move in Labrador West and Darrel Brenton will be bringing the voice of the people of Labrador to the House of Assembly."-30-Media contact: Amanda Will, Communications, 739-6880 or 691-9232
# publié par Francis Chartrand @ 4:42 a.m. 
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