(April 20, 2022) – David Brazil, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Conception Bay East – Bell Island, is responding to a joint news release issued by the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) and the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Family Physicians (NLCFP) regarding public statements made by Minister Haggie.

The Minister has stated publicly that “…no physician left a practice to take on one of those (new collaborative care clinic) jobs; they are all new to the system.”

In the joint statement by the NLMA and the NLCFP they state, “This is simply not true.”

“In all my years as both an elected member of the legislature and over 20 years in the civil service, I have never read a joint statement as blunt as this from the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association and the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Family Physicians,” said Brazil.

“As these organizations rightfully point out, we need a true ‘net gain’ of physicians, but the Minister is shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic.”

The Official Opposition firmly believes that the Premier needs to take action if his Ministers aren’t being honest with the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“How can the people of Newfoundland and Labrador have confidence in a Minister that is not being honest with them and the people in our healthcare system? How can the Premier have confidence in a Minister who is presenting misleading statements as fact?” said Brazil.

“As the Premier pointed out recently, he picks his cabinet. Well, he’s picked a Health Minister that has proven to be ineffective and disputed by the association that represents physicians in this province and the professional association for family doctors.”

-30-
 

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca