President of Treasury Board responds to criticisms

President of Treasury Board Anna Thistle responded today to the criticisms being directed towards the government�s regionalization policy, particularly those which have been coming from the public sector unions.

"We have made a clear policy decision based on sound rationale," said Minister Thistle. "We are putting services closer to the people they serve. There are also organizations which can effectively operate from anywhere in the province and by relocating those services, the economic benefits of government can be more widely distributed. Government is partnering with these communities and the surrounding regions to build on their existing strengths."

Minister Thistle said government has remained true to its commitment to treat its employees with sensitivity and to be flexible when they have made government aware of their circumstances.

"I know that I also speak for Premier Beaton Tulk when I say that what has been foremost in our minds is how the employees are being treated as the departments prepare to be operational in the new locations," said Minister Thistle. "There has been a clear directive to all departments that we will balance the concerns of our employees with operational considerations. And we have been doing that."

Minister Thistle said officials of her department have heard the concerns being expressed by NAPE and there have been serious discussions on addressing those concerns.

"NAPE had concerns about employees being redeployed into lower-paying positions. Government responded by providing a salary top-up of $5,000. Again NAPE criticized that. NAPE wanted the January 15, 2001, deadline extended. Government responded by allowing employees some extra breathing room by giving us their firm decision by the closing date of their job competition. NAPE�s response to that was again critical."

Minister Thistle stated that government has gone beyond what is required of it as an employer in accommodating individuals who are unable to relocate.

"To date we have redeployed 90 people into other positions. Of the 278 positions slated for relocation, we are now working with only 80 people to resolve their circumstances," said Minister Thistle. "We have had tremendous success in working through the concerns being expressed by our employees and it is time for Tom Hanlon to give credit where credit is due and to stop the fear-mongering."

NAPE�s suggestion that physicians will not be paid because MCP is relocating to Grand Falls-Windsor is unfounded.

"The Department of Health and Community Services has now started the recruitment process to hire the staff we will need in Grand Falls-Windsor come July 1, 2001," said Minister Thistle. "This will give us the time-frame required to hire staff and train them. We are confident the payment claim process will not be interrupted and doctors will be paid."

Minister Thistle said there has also been the suggestion that the operation of our public libraries will be negatively impacted by relocating the Public Libraries Board to Stephenville.

"Even CUPE President Wayne Lucas has stated that the libraries board can operate from anywhere in the province. In fact, Mr. Lucas has even stated that there will not be a difference in service."

Minister Thistle also finds it hard to comprehend why the mayor of this province�s capital city, would imply that this government is putting people�s lives at risk by moving air dispatchers to Gander.

"The air ambulance service will remain operational from St. John�s. The fact that air dispatchers will be moving to Gander as part of Air Services will not hinder the effective operations of air ambulance or endanger anyone�s life as suggested by Andy Wells," said Minister Thistle. "Weather briefings will continue to be available to the air ambulance pilots by telephone, fax or over the Internet as is the case for other aircraft dispatched from airports across the province."

Another criticism that has no basis is NAPE�s claim that the regionalization of government services will result in a brain drain, said Minister Thistle.

"We have highly qualified employees who are being redeployed to other departments bringing their knowledge and skills with them," the minister said. "We have employees who have decided to relocate. We also have indications that our recruitment process will identify qualified individuals, some of whom are Newfoundlanders and Labradorians working outside of the province and are looking for an opportunity to return home.

"We have to set the record straight here," continued Minister Thistle. "The regionalization policy is a good decision of government. The majority of the people of this province do support the policy. However, they wanted to make sure government dealt with its employees fairly and we have been more than fair with our employees. Already we are seeing the signs that is will be a successful policy."

Media contact: Carmel Parsons, (709) 729-6830.

2001 01 24                                             5:10 p.m.