(July 20, 2021) – : Loyola O’Driscoll, PC Opposition Shadow Minister for Digital Government and Service NL and MHA for Ferryland, spoke out again today about the Liberal government’s failure to protect residents and provide services to people of the province.

O’Driscoll says his office and those of colleagues in the PC Opposition caucus have been flooded with calls from frustrated motorists over how appointments at the Department of Motor Vehicle is being
handled.

“We’re hearing from constituents who are being given appointments at the office at the end of August. It’s deeply frustrating for those who have to wait and I worry it will create situations where more unregistered
vehicles are on the road,” said O’Driscoll.

“I appreciate the need for changes at the offices in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we’re nearing the finish line. If the federal government is talking about people entering the country from the United States,
surely we can figure out a safe way for people to quickly and safely access in-person motor vehicle appointments to address this massive backlog.”

As well, O’Driscoll says the latest development on the plight of six elderly clients who are alleged to have lost their life savings at the hands of an investment advisor is troubling. At the hearing before the
Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada on July 15, 2021 the accused did not show up or respond to the proceedings.

“Every other province and territory has regulations that would compel the accused to appear and allow the regulatory board to do its job. This difficult situation is made worse by weakness in the legislation,”
said O’Driscoll.

Another issue unaddressed by the Department of Service NL is the lack of renewed ATV safety legislation, which the Minister has been promising for months.

“The Minister has also failed to bring forward new ATV legislation despite numerous deaths and serious injuries. The Minister says a review has been completed, yet we see no evidence of any progress being
made with the legislation,” said O’Driscoll.

“It is time for the Minister to deal with these very serious matters before it’s too late.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca