Minister Responds to Statement

The following is a statement issued today by Gordon Balser, Minister of Economic Development:

The media are giving a lot of play to a comment made Wednesday by Fred McMahon of the Atlantic Institute of Market Studies. It is a sweeping and damning statement about the staff at Economic Development.

I think Mr. McMahon's comment is irresponsible and very offensive.

Anybody is entitled to criticize the work of a government department. But to describe the staff in such a manner is outrageous.

I haven't been at Economic Development for long, and as opposition critic I certainly knew the department wasn't perfect. But even then I recognized that it does some things very well.

I've since come to appreciate that the department is filled with hard-working and effective professionals -- people who are dedicated to improving the economy of our province.

Mr. McMahon seems to have the ear of the media. He should use this privilege more responsibly.

jmg September 30, 1999 5: 15 p.m.