Barry Petten says "No department is larger, spends more money, impacts people's lives more profoundly, or faces a greater crisis than Health. It simply cannot function – even for a few weeks – without a full-time minister's constant, undivided attention.”
The opposition’s shadow Health Minister is demanding government appoint a full time health Minister. Barry Petten says “it was shocking to see Premier Furey tag the Justice and Public Safety Minister with overseeing it in his spare time. He says "No department is larger, spends more money, impacts people's lives more profoundly, or faces a greater crisis than Health. It simply cannot function – even for a few weeks – without a full-time minister's constant, undivided attention.” Petten also noted that the Justice and Public Safety portfolio is exceptionally demanding, covering areas such as corrections, the planned new penitentiary, policing amidst rising crime rates, public safety, and the significant impacts of untreated addictions. This leaves little time for the acting Minister to get up to speed on critical health files.
Private contractors hired to help with snow clearing in Corner Brook, 290 cms of snow fell in January alone
RCMP NL stress safety for snowmobilers, hikers and skiers in the backcountry
Trans Canada Highway near Holyrood has reopened to traffic after crews removed a large vehicle
Charges laid after police find drugs, a loaded firearm, lots of cash and cigarettes in Stephenville Crossing
Porter Airlines to fly five times a week from Deer Lake Regional Airport to Toronto Pearson starting in June
