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.
Elaine Huxter of Steady Brook first to be invested in the Order of NL at a ceremony this morning
Have your say about highway improvement projects, government is looking for suggestions
Premier Tony Wakeham heads to Ottawa for meetings tomorrow with Canada's Premiers
74-year old man facing firearms charges after weekend incident in Deer Lake, police found a pellet gun
RCMP looking into a vacant house fire in Rocky Harbour
