(Corner Brook, NL, September 8, 2021) – David Brazil, PC Party Leader and MHA for Conception Bay East – Bell Island, commented today on the PC Caucus meetings being held today in Corner Brook. This is the first set of PC Caucus meetings in the area since Brazil was named Leader.

Brazil says, “We hosted this series of meetings on the beautiful West Coast because we know how much potential our party has here. Tony Wakeham is a strong voice for the region, but we know there is more to be done to grow on the West Coast. This is a chance for our caucus to see the needs of the region first-hand.”

During this set of PC Caucus meetings, healthcare and back to school have been top priorities.

Tony Wakeham, PC MHA for Stephenville – Port au Port says, “Healthcare is the top issue and the area has unique challenges. There is confusion surrounding what services will be available at the new Corner Brook Hospital, more long-term care beds are needed, doctors are in short supply, and the expense of medical travel to St. John’s is unacceptable. Doctors, paramedics, and nurses have all sounded the alarm. This is a crisis.”

Along with healthcare, back to school planning has been thoroughly discussed.

Barry Petten, PC MHA for Conception Bay South says, “We are hopeful for a safe return to school this year after two very difficult years. The Delta variant is here in our province and I understand the concerns of students and parents. Ventilation, air filtration, and student busing should have been figured out. Instead, this Liberal Government scrambled to make things work in late-August. Imagine if we had a government that was proactive instead of reactive!”

Brazil concludes, “It has been excellent to meet with the many stakeholders in the area and we are excited to continue to build our presence here on the West Coast. The area is critically important to the success of our province and our entire caucus has been delighted with the response.”

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Contacts:

Denise Tubrett

Chief of Staff, Office of the Official Opposition

(cell) (709) 725-2549

denisetubrett@gov.nl.ca