NDP House Leader Lorraine Michael (MHA, St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi) pointed out today in the House of Assembly that during last week’s departmental reorganization, the provincial government also dropped “Rural Development” from the name of the department with that responsibility. She is concerned this signals a diminished commitment to rural Newfoundland and Labrador, a trend she’s been observing since Budget 2016.
“The word ‘Culture’ may be back in the department’s title, but the term ‘Rural Development’ has been dropped just as rural Newfoundland and Labrador faces dire scientific advice on disappearing crab and shrimp stocks,” Michael said in Question Period today.
“I ask the Premier, what is his government’s plan to keep rural Newfoundland and Labrador alive and well?”
Michael has heard from several sources that the positions eliminated in last week’s announcement by the Premier and the Minister of Finance included regional development staff.
“If this is the case, who is going to implement his so-called plan to revitalize rural Newfoundland and Labrador?” she said.