In keeping with government�s commitment to construct a new long-term care facility in Corner Brook, the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works, and the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced the awarding of the construction contract to Pomerleau Inc. of St. George�s, Quebec.

The contract for the 236-bed facility is valued at $48.4 million. Site preparation work is nearing completion. Construction is expected to begin this spring, with the expected completion date for the facility in the fall of 2009.

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, said, "This is a significant advancement for long-term health care in the Corner Brook region. Our government made an important commitment to construct a much needed modern health care facility, and this is proof that we honour our commitments made to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador."

"This will be a state-of-the-art facility and we�re excited to have commenced this process," said Minister Hickey. "And we�re proud to see that another promise by the Williams government is on the path to being fulfilled."

The design and construction of the Corner Brook long-term care facility will display best practices respecting protection and preservation of the environment. The facility site has been designed to be LEED compliant (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

"Government is planning now to meet the needs of our aging population, on the west coast and in the entire province," said Minister Wiseman. "This facility represents a significant investment and commitment by our government to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and MHA for Humber East, said, "Like all residents of the Corner Brook region, I am thrilled that this much-needed facility is moving forward and will soon be ready to provide quality long-term care to our senior citizens. The long-term care facility is another concrete illustration of the Williams government�s commitment to the health and well-being of the people of the western region."

Under the Atlantic Procurement Agreement and the Agreement on Internal Trade, government was not able to give preference to local bidders. In limited cases, exemptions to these agreements can be made for specific economic development reasons. However, conditions did not permit application of an exemption in the case of the building construction industry.

The minister also stated that there are many Newfoundland and Labrador companies doing business in other provinces.

"If we adopt a general local preference policy, other jurisdictions might do the same, and many local companies could be impacted," said Minster Hickey.

Government will invest a total of $68.5 million in long term care services in Corner Brook. This includes the 236-bed long term care facility and 40 dementia care beds to be housed in residential duplexes.

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2007 02 23                                                 5:20 p.m.