Opposition calls on government to appoint a full time Health Minister

    Wednesday, 10 July 2024 12:00

    By Tonya Organ

    Barry Petten says "No department is larger, spends more money, impacts people's lives more profoundly, or faces a greater crisis than Health.  It simply cannot function – even for a few weeks – without a full-time minister's constant, undivided attention.”

    The opposition’s shadow Health Minister is demanding government appoint a full time health Minister. Barry Petten says “it was shocking to see Premier Furey tag the Justice and Public Safety Minister with overseeing it in his spare time. He says "No department is larger, spends more money, impacts people's lives more profoundly, or faces a greater crisis than Health.  It simply cannot function – even for a few weeks – without a full-time minister's constant, undivided attention.” Petten also noted that the Justice and Public Safety portfolio is exceptionally demanding, covering areas such as corrections, the planned new penitentiary, policing amidst rising crime rates, public safety, and the significant impacts of untreated addictions. This leaves little time for the acting Minister to get up to speed on critical health files.

     

     

    To report an error, submit a news tip, or provide feedback, please e-mail news@bayfm.ca or call (709) 637-0183.

    More from Local News

     

     

     

    BayFM recognizes support from the following agencies:

                        

    Today's Weather

    • Corner Brook

      Heavy snow

      High: -1°C | Low: -12°C

    • Deer Lake

      Low-level cloud

      High: 0°C | Low: -13°C

    • Stephenville

      Low-level cloud

      High: -1°C | Low: -10°C

    Recently Played

    Podcasts

    • BayFM On-Demand

      Trash Talk Thursday, February 19, 2026

      Lynn Howse from Western Regional Waste Management talks about recycling numbers

    • Center Stage with Stella

      Center Stage with Stella, Wednesday February 18, 2026

      Center Stage with Stella, Wednesday February 18, 2026

    • The Plain Truth

      The Plain Truth, Wednesday February 18, 2026

      February is Heart Month