Fraser March, Citizens� Representative for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today that his investigation of the complaints brought forward regarding Tropical Storm Gabrielle has ended and a final report will be issued to the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs as well as the Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization on Thursday, September 18.

At 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 19, Mr. March will hold a news briefing in the Media Centre in the East Block of the Confederation Building, at which time he will distribute a public report and field questions from reporters on his findings and recommendations.

Under Section 44 of the Citizens� Representative Act, the Citizens� Representative may publish reports relating generally to the exercise and performance of his functions "where it is in the public interest." The document slated for public release will be altered to protect the identity of complainants in keeping with the act.

"Given the two year anniversary of Gabrielle and the ongoing situation in Badger, we feel it is prudent to release our report at this time. With the cooperation of both Municipal and Provincial Affairs and the Emergency Measures Organization, we have taken a good look at this issue and have listed our findings and recommendations to government," Mr. March said.

Media contact: Kim Terrio, Office Manager - (709) 729-7647

2003 09 17                                        10:30 a.m.