The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works:

Minister Recognizes National Public Works Week

I rise in this Honourable House today in recognition of National Public Works Week which runs from May 16 — May 22 and marks the 50th anniversary of National Public Works Week in North America. This year's theme is, Public Works: Above, Below, & All Around You.

National Public Works Week recognizes the tens of thousands of men and women who contribute to our society by ensuring that the comforts and necessities that we so readily depend on are working for the benefit of everyone in this province and nation.

Every time we turn on a tap, navigate our transportation systems, enter a public building, or dispose of trash and refuse we are using elements of our public works. The contributions made to our society by the workers in this field are essential for maintaining the services and vital infrastructure that we all use on a daily basis.

I recently met with David Moulton, the President of the Canadian Public Works Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, to sign a proclamation recognizing National Public Works Week in this province.

It was a pleasure meeting with Mr. Moulton and I was so impressed to see the pride and respect he has for the role of public works in our society. This is the same pride and respect that I am privileged to see every day in all Provincial Government employees working in the field of public works.

The advancement of our society has, in a large part, been dependent on the efforts of those working in this field, and I feel it is the continuation of this effort, by this government, and all public works employees, that will see this province continue to prosper and grow.

Our commitment to public works in this province is unwavering and is evident in our infrastructure strategy valued at more than $5 billion over the next several years and which is expected to generate 7,740 person years of employment in 2010-11. Initiatives under this strategy include new construction and maintenance of hospitals, long-term care homes, schools, roads and other important infrastructure which will leave a legacy of public works projects for generations to come.

I urge all Honourable Members and the public to recognize the efforts of the men and women in our public works sector, and the essential services that they provide to everyone in our society.

2010 05 17                                                  1:45 p.m.