Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
June 5, 2007

Opposition Continues to Spread False Information About Car Service Costs

Despite being advised many times, the Opposition continues to deliberately mislead the public about the amount the Provincial Government spent for car service on a recent trade mission to Ireland, said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Ireland Business Partnerships.

"Why would the Opposition continue to spread this inaccurate information, when they have been informed of the actual amount spent on car service for business representatives and government officials on a trade mission to Ireland this winter?" asked the minister. "As we stated several times, the $23,152 referenced in the Public Tender Act Exceptions was an estimate based on full usage of the automobiles. That was the amount that was budgeted and, therefore, the amount that was reported in the PTA report. It turns out the vehicles were not fully utilized and the actual cost of the car service was $8,998. Would the Opposition rather we spent the full amount?"

Minister Taylor today released the invoice for the car services, saying this should put the issue to rest.

"The comments being made by the Opposition are ridiculous. Even when we repeatedly give them the correct information, they refuse to accept it. But what is completely irresponsible is that they continue to spread the wrong information to the public and, in fact, go out of their way to do that," said the minister. "To criticize our government for legitimate travel expenses for officials and local businesses participating on a trade mission is very ironic coming from members who spent tax payers money flying their spouses around the world."

-30-

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

2007 06 05                                                  10:55 a.m.

 


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement