The leader of the province’s NDP is concerned that support issued yesterday for Hibernia is only creating a “false hope” for workers.

Yesterday, $38-million was given to HMDC to restart well work, perform drill rig upgrades and invest in new digital technology.

While Alison Coffin calls the announcement good news in the short term, she questions the long-term viability of the oil and gas industry in the global market.

She says many big players in the industry are forecasting flat or negative demand for the foreseeable future. As well, she points to outside examples of the economic downturn, such as the closure of the after-hours clinic at Majors Path.

Ultimately, Coffin calls the announcement a “shiny penny” to distract from the realities of our current economic situation.