NLIS 8
April 10, 2000
(Mines and Energy)

Mines and Energy Minister Paul Dicks says he did not breach the term and conditions of the Freedom of Information Act as alleged by Opposition Mines and Energy critic John Ottenheimer.

The minister was responding to a release by Mr. Ottenheimer today claiming that he did not respond within 30 days to a request for information on the feasibility of pelletizing Labrador West iron ore in the province. Mr. Ottenheimer claimed in his release that 60 days had elapsed since his request was made on February 10, 2000.

Mr. Dicks said: "With the exception of some Cabinet papers that were deemed to be confidential all of the requested information was provided to Mr. Ottenhimer on March 10. This is the second time that Mr. Ottenheimer has released inaccurate information having to do with the Labrador West iron ore operations. Earlier he issued a release criticizing government for its failure to release the Hatch Report. The report had been publicly distributed months earlier, including a copy to the Official Opposition."

Media contact: Gary Callahan, (709) 729-4890

2000 04 10                                                                 5:15 p.m.