(October 15, 2021) – Tony Wakeham, PC Opposition Shadow Minister of Finance and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, says the failure of the Liberal government to come to an agreement with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) could not come at a worse time.

“On Thursday, the NLMA announced they have left the bargaining table after ten months of frustration with the Liberal government. The healthcare system of our province is in the midst of a crisis and the Liberals are choosing instead to strong-arm associations, negotiate in bad faith, and leave a critical part of our healthcare system in limbo,” said Wakeham.

“We have a Premier, a Health Minister, and now a Finance Minister who refuse to acknowledge the healthcare crisis – or even use the word out loud. Is this what leadership looks like in the middle of a crisis? How do these bad faith negotiation tactics help the nearly 100,000 people without a family doctor?”

Wakeham says the incoming legislation to remove the requirement for doctors to be a part of the NLMA – who have been without a contract for four years - is a threat to the association.

“The Minister may say the legislation is not related to the bargaining process, but the timing is unmistakable. The Minister has chosen to threaten the NLMA, not negotiate. It should be worrisome to every other association or union within government that the Liberals would make this choice,” said Wakeham.

“I call on the Minister: stop threatening the doctors. Start listening to them. Get back to the table and negotiate in good faith. The healthcare of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador depends on it.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca