Office of the Official Opposition
For Immediate Release

St. John's, NL (December 11, 2020) – PC Opposition Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Reconciliation and Labrador Affairs and MHA for Torngat Mountains, Lela Evans, is expressing shock and disappointment following Minister John Haggie’s comments yesterday in the House of Assembly.

While responding to a question about residents in Labrador accessing medical treatment via the Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP) Minister Haggie said:

“We have a generous medical transportation system allowance as it were, or benefit, in this province and I would argue there is discrimination in favour of Labradorians.”

- Minister John Haggie, Hansard December 10, 2020.

Evans said “Minister Haggie is totally out of touch with the reality of Labradorians trying to access health services. Many have to fundraise to travel to the Island to access even basic services and face significant financial hardship. Yet, the Minister feels we are, in fact, better off. This is unbelievable.”

“How can Labradorians expect this Minister and the Liberal Government to improve health services in Labrador when they are so arrogant and removed from the reality of people in the region? This Minister is not only out of touch with the circumstances that patients in Labrador face but his ignorance is inhibiting improvements.”

“For the Minister to suggest we are better off is inaccurate, offensive and he should apologize,” said Evans.
 

Contacts:

Denise Tubrett

Chief of Staff

(p) 1.709.725.2594

DeniseTubrett@gov.nl.ca

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