Transportation and Works
May 17, 2010
The following statement was given today
in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of
Transportation and Works:
Minister Recognizes
National Public Works Week
I rise in this Honourable House today in
recognition of National Public Works Week which runs from May 16 — May
22 and marks the 50th anniversary of National Public Works Week in North
America. This year's theme is, Public Works: Above, Below, & All Around
You.
National Public Works Week recognizes the
tens of thousands of men and women who contribute to our society by
ensuring that the comforts and necessities that we so readily depend on
are working for the benefit of everyone in this province and nation.
Every time we turn on a tap, navigate our
transportation systems, enter a public building, or dispose of trash and
refuse we are using elements of our public works. The contributions made
to our society by the workers in this field are essential for
maintaining the services and vital infrastructure that we all use on a
daily basis.
I recently met with David Moulton, the
President of the Canadian Public Works Association of Newfoundland and
Labrador, to sign a proclamation recognizing National Public Works Week
in this province.
It was a pleasure meeting with Mr.
Moulton and I was so impressed to see the pride and respect he has for
the role of public works in our society. This is the same pride and
respect that I am privileged to see every day in all Provincial
Government employees working in the field of public works.
The advancement of our society has, in a
large part, been dependent on the efforts of those working in this
field, and I feel it is the continuation of this effort, by this
government, and all public works employees, that will see this province
continue to prosper and grow.
Our commitment to public works in this
province is unwavering and is evident in our infrastructure strategy
valued at more than $5 billion over the next several years and which is
expected to generate 7,740 person years of employment in 2010-11.
Initiatives under this strategy include new construction and maintenance
of hospitals, long-term care homes, schools, roads and other important
infrastructure which will leave a legacy of public works projects for
generations to come.
I urge all Honourable Members and the
public to recognize the efforts of the men and women in our public works
sector, and the essential services that they provide to everyone in our
society.
2010 05 17
1:45 p.m.
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