Today’s announcement of $800 million in infrastructure spending is positive news, but government must ensure tenders are issued and projects are not delayed as has happened in previous years, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.

“There was lots of money announced by government for infrastructure upgrades in the province that will have a positive impact for this construction season if tenders get called and awarded,” said Ms. Jones. “Our experience with this government is that they announce projects over and over again in each budget year, however, the tenders and work never seem to move forward. I hope this will not happen again this year, especially as we try to stimulate the economy of the province.”

Jones says projects such as the Labrador West hospital, L’Anse au Loup school, road upgrades and other projects have been announced in previous budgets, but government has either cancelled tenders or carried work and funding over from budget year to budget year without making any expenditures.

“Instead of announcing and re-announcing projects, tenders should be fast-tracked and work started as soon as possible. There are opportunities to help displaced workers in various regions of our province and I am hopeful that government will ensure this happens in a timely manner.”