The Mayor of Bonavista says the provincial government can announce whatever it wants, but the fact of the matter is that the Bonavista hospital will still go without critical services this weekend.

Premier Andrew Furey and Health Minister Tom Osborne announced the launch of a new provincial health care professional recruitment campaign at the Mockbeggar Plantation in Bonavista.

A short time later Eastern Health announced that human resource issues would result in the local ER closing for the weekend.

That, says Mayor John Norman, who did not attend Friday’s announcement, is leaving him less than optimistic about what solutions are available to address a health care crisis in the region.

He’s fearful that a tragedy will occur before the situation is resolved.

Meanwhile, a member of the audience questioned Premier Furey during Friday’s announcement expressing similar concerns.

She questioned him on why the hospital was moving back into diversion for 48 hours. Furey indicated he was welcome to meet with council to discuss their concerns.