For Immediate Release
23 January, 2023
NDP Leader, James Dinn, MHA for St. John’s Centre released the following statement in response to the Liberal Government’s attempt to rush in legislation while paramedics employed by Fewer’s Ambulance Services are on strike.
“This week’s healthcare crisis is of Premier Furey’s own making. Government could have brought legislation in to the House of Assembly in the Spring session or the Fall when it could be properly debated and made into more than a ploy to break the spirits of workers taking job action.”
“On Friday, the Liberal government announced contingency plans were in place to ensure the delivery of services. Teamsters Local 855 took job action to get their employer, Fewer’s Ambulance Services, back to the table and negotiate fairer wages that bring them closer to what paramedics in public ambulance services are earning. What’s happened to these plans in less than 36 hours to justify rushing legislation in that demoralizes healthcare workers in this province who are already considering quitting.
“This legislation is going to have a direct impact on the people of this province. How does this government attitude move us towards repairing our broken healthcare system?
“Premier Furey is sending a clear message to all healthcare workers that Newfoundland and Labrador is not a place to work in healthcare and be respected.
“The NDP would have sent a clear signal to healthcare workers that in the years ahead, things are going to be different working in the place they call home.”
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For further information, contact Eddy St. Coeur, Director of Communications, NDP Caucus at 729-2137 (o), or eddystcoeur@gov.nl.ca