Minister disappointed with former union president�s remarks

President of Treasury Board, Loyola Sullivan, today expressed his disappointment that Tom Hanlon, former NAPE president, engaged in a personal attack on Premier Williams earlier this week.

"I was absolutely shocked to hear Mr. Hanlon's statements regarding Premier Williams. Those comments were nothing more than a vicious personal attack and I am calling on Mr. Hanlon to immediately apologize for these inappropriate and callous remarks," said the Minister.

Minister Sullivan was pleased to learn that current NAPE president Leo Puddister has written the Premier to express his shock at the statements made by Mr. Hanlon and to clearly state that he in no way supports or agrees with the comments from the former union leader.

"I commend Mr. Puddister for his quick and forthright apology to Premier Williams," said Minister Sullivan. "There are many different issues facing government and NAPE in the coming months, and while there will be divergent opinions and viewpoints, personal attacks should not be part of the negotiating process."

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-6830

2004 01 30                                         2:45 p.m.