(September 11, 2024 St. John’s, NL) –Jim McKenna, PC Shadow Minister for Transportation and MHA for Fogo Island-Cape Freels, today called on newly appointed Minister Fred Hutton to reinstate 24-hour snow clearing, a service cut by the Liberal government in 2016.

McKenna pointed out that while Minister Hutton has reversed decisions regarding snow clearing and line painting on the newly twinned sections of the Trans-Canada Highway, which will now be completed by NAPE employees, there is still no commitment to restoring 24-hour snow clearing.

The former Minister, John Abbott, repeatedly refused to reinstate 24-hour snow clearing, even going so far as to tell the media, “24-hour snow clearing is not needed.”

“This statement completely ignores the realities of our province’s vast geography and unpredictable weather patterns, putting commuting workers at risk,” said McKenna. “The Furey Liberals seem to think snow and ice only pose a threat between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.”

McKenna emphasized that many healthcare professionals, tradespeople, and other workers travel across the province during early mornings and late nights for 12-hour shifts, often in dangerous conditions.

“It’s time for Minister Hutton to correct another mistake of his predecessor, admit the government’s error, and reinstate 24-hour snow clearing on our highways.”