NLIS 2
February 10, 2005
(Human Resources, Labour and Employment)
 

Opposition critic�s statements irresponsible - comments both false and unfounded

Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE), stated today that comments made by MHA Roland Butler, opposition critic for HRLE, are completely false. Furthermore, the department has no plans to close any offices in any area of the province.

"Mr. Butler�s statements are only serving to raise doubt and uncertainty among employees of HRLE, some of the very same people he has been elected to serve," said Minister Burke. "I ask the honourable member, what kind of service is he providing to his constituents and all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador by making statements that are based on rumor, rather than fact?"

Because of the concerns such rumors can raise, all employees were notified last week that there are no plans to close any additional offices. "Mr. Butler claims to know �for a fact� that some workers are concerned about their futures. I�m surprised that he is not aware of last week�s message to employees clarifying this issue. Perhaps he is simply ignoring the truth, choosing instead to spread false alarm among workers.

"If Mr. Butler is still confused about this matter, he is most certainly welcome to phone me or meet with me at any time, as other honorable members of the Opposition do from time to time."

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-4062, 689-2624

2005 02 10                               11:40 a.m.