FREDERICTON
– Liberal MLA Roger Melanson, opposition critic of the newly formed Department of Government
Services, is concerned cuts are coming to services for New Brunswickers,
particularly in rural areas.
Melanson
had his first opportunity to ask questions of its minister, Craig
Leonard, during Budgetary Estimates this week. He is concerned with the
lack of answers he received to questions asked about rural areas of the
province.
When
Melanson asked specifically if the government had any intention or
plans to close any Service New Brunswick offices in the province, the
minister refused to answer.
“This
is a concern for us, and it should be a concern for rural New
Brunswickers,” said Melanson, the MLA for Dieppe Centre-Lewisville.
“The Alward government clearly has a secret agenda for those living in
rural areas of our province. Now it seems there is the potential for
even fewer services to be offered to rural New Brunswickers.
“If
there were no plans to close any of these offices, the minister would
have said so,” continued Melanson. “However, his silence on the issue
leads me to believe rural New Brunswickers can expect to receive fewer
services in the near future.”
Melanson
said that time and time again, this government has made decisions that
negatively impact the services received by those who live in rural areas
of the province. These measures include closing schools, reducing
health care services, and increasing the gas tax.
Meanwhile, the premier has hired more people to work in his office, and increased his budget.
“It
seems to work two ways with this government,” added Melanson. “They
don’t mind spending taxpayers money on their own personal interests.
Instead they are cutting services that affect people who are already
hard hit.
“The
Alward government needs to be upfront and honest with New Brunswickers
and tell them what their plans are for our rural areas,” said Melanson.
