St. John’s, NL (June 10, 2025) – Barry Petten, PC Shadow Minister for Health and Community Services and MHA for Conception Bay South, is calling out the Liberals after the bizarre case of medical professionals sitting at home while the province has extensive waitlists.

Petten was reacting to a CBC report on Molly Clarke, a speech language pathologist who cannot get a job in the province, even though the waitlist for services is 18-24 months. Ironically, Ms. Clarke has been hired to work remotely in the Northwest Territories.

“This is simply outrageous,” said Petten. “Our caucus has been contacted by dozens of parents who have children unable to get assessed for child autism and ADHD. In fact, we raised this serious issue in the House of Assembly in the last session and it was dismissed by both the Minister of Health and Education.”

Petten noted the Liberal Government continues to say supports are available, but it is simply not the reality for parents with lived experience.

“These parents actually feel insulted to be told help is available for your child when it is not the case, either pre-school or school age. I hear from parents daily who are concerned about the devastating impacts of the lack of early diagnosis and intervention,” added Petten.

“Incredibly, after 10 years, the Liberals released a dated and partial health human resources strategy that does not even list speech-language pathology. This does not offer much hope to parents and families trying to access services,” stressed Petten.

Petten agreed with Ms. Clarke’s comments that, “Kids here are being massively underserved, both in the school system and in the health system.”

“This is too important of an issue to not be addressed. We owe it to the parents and children, as well as the medical professionals. A new PC government under Tony Wakeham will ensure no child is left behind,” concluded Petten.