For Immediate Release
July 8, 2024
MHA Lela Evans (Torngat Mountains) is questioning why the Premier did not appoint a full time Minister of Health and Community Services, as he had more than enough time to find a suitable replacement in advance of the current Minister’s departure.
“Our health care system is in crisis mode, and this crisis has been ongoing for several years. People in my district have been dying of treatable diseases because they can’t get access to the services they need.
“The Premier has had many months to choose a competent candidate for the position of health minister. Appointing the Justice Minister as acting minister says to the public that the state of our health care system is not a major priority. The justice ministry is also a heavy portfolio to carry without having to take on Health as well.
“I have to ask - does the Premier have the strength in his caucus to put forward a credible replacement for the outgoing minister?
“The province is struggling with retention and recruitment of health care workers. There are tens of thousands of people without a family doctor. Nurses are leaving in droves. Health care support and services workers are feeling demoralized.
“The health care ministry is too important to have just an acting health minister for any period of time. I call on the premier to appoint a minister whose single priority will be to focus on bringing our province out of the ongoing health crisis.
“We need a full time Health Minister.”
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media Relations Manager, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
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