Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
May 9, 2007

Opposition Misrepresenting Fibre Optic Information

The Official Opposition is being extremely hypocritical in its criticisms of the trans-gulf fibre optic project, said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.

�I find it very ironic that the Opposition, who cries out for openness and transparency, would pick and choose information from emails relating to this project, but not tell the whole story,� said Minister Taylor.  �They have intentionally taken information out of context, and have not reflected the full extent of conversations held and analysis completed on this matter.  It is completely misleading to pick out selected excerpts and cherry-pick quotes they think will grab a headline.�

In the May 8 sitting of the House of Assembly, the Opposition referenced e-mails by officials in various government departments.  Minister Taylor said it is the job of officials to analyze and assess files as part of their due diligence.  He said departments are obligated to provide informed advice to enable government to make appropriate decisions on behalf of the province.  If departments have questions and concerns, it is their job to raise them and ensure issues are addressed so that we capitalize on the best opportunities for the province.

�It is shameful that the Opposition would name public servants who were doing their job properly, and try to imply they were against the investment,� said the minister.  �This is disrespectful to hard working government employees and indicative of the fact that the Opposition must resort to personal attacks because it is the only way they think they can score political points.  They have attempted to smear the reputation of the premier, business people and now they are taking the comments of public employees out of context.�

Government publicly released these documents when they were tabled in the House of Assembly over six weeks ago.  Government took this action to be open and transparent with the people of the province.  �It is completely misleading to highlight portions of e-mails, without putting them in the proper context,� said Minister Taylor.  �Why would we table these documents if we were concerned about their content?  The Opposition is purposely misleading the public about the information contained in the emails.  Is this what the people of the province have to look forward to from the Opposition in the coming months?  We have provided the Auditor General with access to Cabinet documents, an unprecedented move to ensure the AG has all the necessary information to conduct his review.

�We have received many letters and e-mails of support on this project.  The private sector, post-secondary institutions, industry associations and individuals support this project and see the benefits for the province.  Our records show the proper process was followed, due diligence was done and that investing in this infrastructure is in the best interest of the province.�

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Media contact:
Lynn Evans
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
LynnEvans@gov.nl.ca

2007 05 09                                        8:15 a.m.


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