Thomas Burleigh, Leader of the Island New Democrats, acknowledges that the Lantz government has incurred historic deficits and debt, narrowing fiscal options in the coming sitting of the Legislature, but he contends that appropriate investments and policy decisions must be made to best allocate our limited resources. He will attend the Throne Speech reading on Wednesday, March 25, and expects Premier Lantz to provide some confidence and hope for Islanders in the presentation.
Burleigh calls for assurance of investment in industries that will return revenue to the province. “For example, the Island Oyster industry has been hard hit by the parasites MSX and Dermo, threatening the livelihood of hundreds of families. A Throne Speech commitment to the industry would offer hope for oyster harvesters,” contends the New Democrat Leader.
“Our Island Health care system is in disarray as wait lists continue to grow. Responsive governance is sorely needed, with renewed commitment to accelerated recruitment of physicians, nurses, and other needed health care personnel,” states Thomas Burleigh.
“Lantz and his team must steer away from wasteful health care privatization schemes, which divert resources and health care workers away from our public health care system. And rather than squandering health care dollars on inefficiency such as travel nurses, provide appropriate support for our existing health care workers, education and recruitment. This would better increase morale and stabilize our health care delivery system”, explains Mr. Burleigh.
Contact:
Thomas Burleigh, Leader
Island New Democrats
(902) 432-2162