What is the opposition�s position on health care cuts?

Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services, yesterday questioned the opposition party on its policies regarding cuts to health and community services in a debate in the House of Assembly.

"While the leader of the opposition has been quick to criticize government�s commitment to provide quality health and community services to the people of this province, he has not once offered an alternative to the delivery of health and community services. Does the opposition plan to follow the lead of PC governments in other provinces?" asked Minister Smith.

Minister Smith went on to refer to an article which appeared in the Telegram on January 27, 2003, where Danny Williams, leader of the opposition, was quoted as saying: "The Newfoundland government needs to follow the lead of New Brunswick and Alberta in developing a plan for health care delivery in this province."

"It is truly disgusting that Mr. Williams is using policies of other provinces to replace those of his own party, especially concerning health care, an issue that is top priority for the people of this province," said Minister Smith. "The Tory governments of Alberta and New Brunswick have been contemplating reforming their health care systems through the use of high premiums, insurance companies, health debit cards and private clinics - reforms that are widely believed to make it more difficult for poorer citizens to have access to health care. Since Mr. Williams has not come forward with any policies of his own, one can only assume that he feels that Newfoundland and Labrador should be contemplating implementing user fees just as they are doing in Alberta."

Minister Smith said that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to providing quality health and community services to the people of this province and has publicly committed to doing so. In September 2002, government released Healthier Together: A Strategic Health Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador, outlining three goals for the health and community services system, as well as specific targets to achieve these goals. Healthier Together is a blueprint for the entire system for the next five years outlining government�s commitment to:

• improve the health and well being of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians;
• improve the capacity of communities to support health and well-being;
• and improve the quality, accessibility and sustainability of health and community services.

Healthier Together was the result of a wide consultation process including Health Forums 2001, which involved consultations with over 500 stakeholders in the health and community services system.

"Our top priority is providing quality services to the people of this province. We spend 45 cents of every program dollar on health and community services and, unlike the opposition party, we are not willing to compromise the level of care simply to balance the budget, "said Minister Smith.

Media Contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377

2003 05 13                                      9:00 a.m.