Driver examiner services reinstated in Burgeo

Dianne Whalen, Minister of Government Services, announced today that periodic driver examiner services will be offered in the Burgeo area as a Budget 2006 initiative. The Department of Government Services will consult with the Town of Burgeo to determine an actual start date and the timing of the service will be based on a schedule of rotation with other communities and the area�s ferry schedules.

"The town council and a number of citizens in the Burgeo area have contacted me about reinstating this rural service since it was removed in 2004," said Minister Whalen. "They have made a strong case for the need for this service in light of the financial hardship on people from this rural area, particularly from the islands on the southwest coast, who currently have to travel to Stephenville to access the service. This often involves overnight stays away from their home communities at considerable personal expense."

The driver examiner based in Stephenville will travel to Burgeo on a periodic basis to conduct road tests, written tests, vision tests and photos for licence renewals. On average, these trips are expected to be monthly although it can be adjusted to meet demand as required.

Burgeo is located 200 kilometres from Stephenville and services residents from more remote communities such as Ramea, Francois and Grey River. The Town of Burgeo has offered to provide office space for the driver examiner as part of the arrangement.

"I am pleased that we are able to provide this service on a part-time basis to residents of Burgeo and the adjacent southwest coast. We understand that these rural communities needed reasonable access to the driver examiner services especially in light of the remote location of these communities while at the same time ensuring responsible fiscal management. In making this decision, I believe we have achieved a balance which works for the Burgeo area," concluded Minister Whalen.

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-4860, 682-6593

2006 04 11                       10:00 a.m.