Halifax – A congratulatory news release issued last week by Tourism and Economic Development Minister Percy Paris isn’t sitting well with Cape Breton North MLA Cecil Clarke, or the PC Caucus for that matter.
The release, sent by Tourism and Economic Development staff last Friday, congratulates the Yarmouth International Airport Corporation for restored air service between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine. Clarke calls the hollow platitude a half-measured, classic reparatory statement aimed at putting the NDP in good standing with residents in Southwest Nova.
Last fall, the NDP government refused to support Starlink Aviation, which at the time was the only air link service directly connecting Southwest Nova to the United States as well as Halifax.
“If the minister was really interested in the people and businesses in Southwest Nova, he would be taking action and working with them, not working against them,” Clarke said. “This community has been devastated by this socialist government, so to throw out a hollow platitude only makes it worse.”
The release states that “the province continues to work closely with tourism and business leaders in the southwestern region to strengthen tourism and the economy in that area.”
Argyle MLA Chris d’Entremont is asking for the evidence.
“Tourism is down $20 million, the region has lost all transportation links because of decisions made by this minister and his government, and yet they claim to be working closely with industry,” added d’Entremont. “My message to the minister is that he needs to be spending more time with the people in Southwest Nova, not just congratulating them.”
Both Clarke and d’Entremont will be leading a delegation of PC Caucus members to Ottawa this week to discuss the CAT ferry service and other provincial infrastructure issues with members of the federal government.
“Our goal is to come back with a stronger commitment to examine the ferry service in Yarmouth, as well as other ports of entry to the province,” said Clarke. “If this government won’t do it, we will.”
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Michael Kydd
Public Relations Advisor
Office of the Leader – PC Caucus
902.424.4996 (o)
902.237.1965 (m)
kyddma@gov.ns.ca
