Premier Grimes requesting meeting with federal environment minister

Premier Roger Grimes today sent a letter to federal environment minister David Anderson requesting a meeting with the minister in Ottawa on Monday.

"In light of Minister Anderson�s decision to close the Gander Weather Office, it is clear to me that the representation by our government through our Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, our Minister of Environment and Gander MHA Sandra Kelly, over a very long period of time, has fallen on deaf ears," said the Premier. "This raises not only the serious issues in this province with respect to accurate and timely weather forecasting, it is also part of a disturbing trend which has seen continued reductions in the presence of federal government staff and infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Premier continued, "I will be in Ottawa on Monday, March 17, and have asked to see Minister Anderson on this issue. I will impress upon him that he must reverse his decision regarding the closure of our weather office and I would anticipate that our representative at the federal Cabinet table, Minister Gerry Byrne, will support this province in its continued efforts to receive fair and equal treatment for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador from the federal government."

The letter sent to Minister Anderson from Premier Grimes is attached.

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960.

March 14, 2003

Dear Minister Anderson:

     Your announcement on Thursday, March 13 concerning the downsizing of the Gander Weather Office raises serious issues in this Province with respect to accurate and timely weather forecasting. It is also part of a disturbing trend which has seen continued reductions in the presence of federal government staff and infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador.

     I will be in Ottawa on Monday, March 17^th, and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter with you in greater detail. My office will call to arrange an appropriate time.

Kindest regards,

ROGER D. GRIMES

Honourable David Anderson
Minister of Environment
Government of Canada
Les Terrasses de la Chaudiere
10 Wellington St., 28^th Floor
Hull, Quebec K1A OH3

2003 03 14                                       1:05 p.m.