NLIS 1 May 25, 2004 (Transportation and Works) Minister provides clarification on meeting with provincial ferry users Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today addressed the criticism that he declined to meet with provincial ferry users. The original invitation to meet with provincial ferry users was received on May 13, 2004, from the Federation of Municipalities. Before the minister had an opportunity to respond, another correspondence was received from the ferry users noting that the Federation of Municipalities had set May 25 as a meeting date. The meeting had been set without confirmation from the minister, on a date during which he had previously scheduled meetings. Minister Rideout stated, "It is unfortunate that the ferry users group decided to proceed and schedule the meeting before I was able to confirm a date whereby I was able to attend. I am certainly willing to meet with stakeholder groups that are affected by the various aspects of the transportation and works portfolio. Provincial ferry users are certainly an important stakeholder group. However, this is an extremely busy time of year for the department and my schedule is very tight at the present time. "I would ask that all stakeholders wishing to meet with me as minister give consideration to that schedule and the other commitments requiring my attention." Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, Communications, (709) 729-3015 2004 05 25 11:55 a.m. |
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