Talks with NLMA have broken off

President of Treasury Board Joan Marie Aylward and Health and Community Services Minister Gerald Smith tonight said negotiations with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) have broken off, and they would welcome the opportunity to return to the table when the NLMA is committed to serious and meaningful talks.

"It has become obvious that the NLMA would rather continue with their job action than participate in meaningful and productive negotiations," said Minister Smith.

The work of the actuary was completed Friday evening, and both sides agreed to return to negotiations on Saturday afternoon. Minister Aylward said the review of the actuary was very productive. "This exercise showed that government�s numbers had to be updated by four per cent primarily to reflect a recent retroactive increase for the New Brunswick Medical Society. It also demonstrated that the NLMA had actually been requesting 30 per cent more than Atlantic parity," she said.

"In mediated discussions this weekend, the NLMA failed to show flexibility. During the meetings, the NLMA inflated their original $100 million proposal, and then reduced their offer in an attempt to show flexibility. The people of the province deserve better," said Minister Aylward. "After a full weekend of negotiations the NLMA is still demanding almost $90 million. The government has no more ability to pay $90 million today than it did the $100 million of a week ago."

Minister Smith acknowledged that this breakdown in talks will likely extend the doctors� job action. He again urged the NLMA and all doctors to continue to honour the commitments they have made to provide emergency services throughout the province.

"I want to thank the people of the province for their patience and understanding during this trying time. I also want to thank all the staff who have been providing emergency room services. Your dedication and commitment to the people of the province is indeed commendable," concluded Minister Smith.

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377 or 682-5093

2002 10 06 9:20 p.m.