The leader of the PC’s describes the population drop in Newfoundland and Labrador as a four-alarm fire which requires immediate attention by the federal and provincial governments.

There were almost 1,300 fewer people in the province by the end of the first quarter of this year than as of December 31st according to numbers released by Statistics Canada. Their projections show similar patterns for the next quarter.

Opposition Leader Ches Crosbie notes the social transfers from the federal government are based on population so the fewer people we have, the less money we get from Ottawa for health and education.

He says it demands massive action on behalf of the provincial and federal governments as it affects our ability to survive as a province contributing to Confederation.