(November 3, 2021) – David Brazil, Leader of the PC Official Opposition and MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island, says the PC Caucus is demanding transparency as government works through an emergency in Newfoundland and Labrador’s healthcare system.

On Tuesday, the PC Official Opposition put forward a motion calling for an emergency debate in the legislature amid the presumed cyberattack grinding the healthcare system to a halt.

“We need to ensure this government has a plan to address the emergency in our healthcare system. Right now, cancer treatments are unable to proceed in Eastern and Central Health. Thousands of appointments are being cancelled, with no timeline available for when they may resume,” said Brazil.

“This situation is difficult and disturbing to everyone in our province. This debate is not about assigning blame, but ensuring the people of the province can understand the road ahead. Our healthcare system was already in a crisis, now an emergency has befallen the province. We must work together to ensure solutions are in place to get healthcare moving again.”

Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition House Leader, says the people of the province are concerned about their healthcare system and need to be certain care will be there when they need it.

“The Minister of Health said on Tuesday it’s as though the healthcare system took a step backwards by 30 years or 40 years as a result of the on-going cyber attack. That is an emergency. Full stop. We need to ensure the people of the province are fully informed on what the challenges are and what solutions are underway,” said Petten.

“That’s why we are in this House: to represent the people that elected us. They are concerned about our healthcare, and that’s what we want this debate to be about.”

The motion was deemed out of order by the House of Assembly. The PC Official Opposition are calling on the Liberal government to take up the call and hold an emergency debate on the healthcare emergency at the earliest opportunity.

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca