Minister provides details on winterization of depots

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today provided details on the plans to winterize 13 Transportation and Works depots in various locations around the province.

Minister Rideout said, "In Budget 2005, our government will be spending significant monies on our provincial road network. This will continue to address the deterioration of our roads that has been the result of years of under funding. However, further measures are required to ensure the effective operations of our roads maintenance program, into the future.

"To this end, we are consolidating some of our summer maintenance operations to provide a more efficient service, while ensuring there is an effective, reliable and safe transportation system for the citizens of the province," said Minister Rideout.

Government will be consolidating summer maintenance staff from 44 depot locations to 31, in order to deliver a more efficient and effective work program. Over 100 employees will be made winter seasonal rather than full-time permanent. Minister Rideout said, "Government is not reducing our roads maintenance program budget. We are reallocating our budget to achieve a more balanced program which will result in a better program overall."

Consolidating depots is not a new approach to consolidating Transportation and Works operations. The previous administration consolidated 21 depots in 1993.

Government will help affected employees by providing benefits in accordance with the particular union agreement under which they are currently working.

"We regret any negative impact these changes will have for our employees," said Minister Rideout. "However, without a reassignment of resources, a continued deterioration of road conditions and subsequently much higher replacement costs will occur. Staff will continue to be in place during the winter when they are needed most."

"Our government is also providing an additional $3.5 million in new funding for heavy equipment purchases in this year�s budget. A total of $6.5 million will be budgeted for our heavy equipment in this year. This will also address years of under funding by the previous administration," said the minister. "As a result of this under funding, our heavy equipment has broken down more than we would like. When necessary, we have contracted to obtain equipment for snow clearing purposes."

"Budget 2005 demonstrated how our government spends strategically and smartly in areas that will result in long-term benefits for the province. This is not about saving money," said the minister. "With the initiatives in Budget 2005 and our regional diversification strategy in place, our government is continuing with our plans to revitalize our province."

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403

2005 03 31                     3:30 p.m.