Premier acts to create an ombudsman, child and youth advocate, and to regulate fuel prices

Premier Roger Grimes met with his Cabinet today to move forward on three priority issues for his administration.

"Today, the Cabinet has decided to take action to implement three initiatives I committed to during the leadership campaign," said the newly sworn-in premier. "Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons will begin immediately to develop a proposal for the creation of the office of ombudsman/review commissioner for the province. This will be done in conjunction with the Freedom of Information review currently under way. Minister Parsons will be bringing draft legislation forward for Cabinet consideration upon completion of the review."

The premier also initiated steps to create the position of a child and youth advocate. "The Minister of Health and Community Services has been directed to develop for Cabinet consideration a proposal to create a child and youth advocate in the province at the earliest opportunity," he said.

Premier Grimes said Cabinet also discussed the regulation of fuel prices. "Mines and Energy Minister Lloyd Matthews has been directed to develop a framework for the regulation of fuel prices," the premier said. "The Cabinet has asked the minister to bring forward a proposal which will become effective within 90 days."

"I believe these initiatives are significant and important to the province," said Premier Grimes. "The creation of the position of ombudsman/review commissioner, putting in place a child and youth advocate, and regulating fuel prices were promises I made to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Cabinet has now endorsed this direction."

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3564.

2001 02 13                                                                           4:45 p.m.