The president of the province’s largest public sector union is seeking clarification on recent comments from newly appointed Minister John Abbott made just minutes after being sworn into cabinet on Thursday.
Jerry Earle says he was surprised to hear Abbott, the new minister of Children, Seniors, and Social Development use the term “downsizing” when speaking with reporters this week.
Earle says that message was in stark contrast to those of another newly appointed minister, John Hogan who indicated there are “bright days” ahead. He says there are two opposing views that he doesn’t believe are reflective of Premier Furey. He says union officials will be asking the Premier about that when they meet with him.
Minister Abbott Responds
Meanwhile, Minister Abbott says his use of the term downsizing was in reference to the general sense of spending as a whole and not in the context of his new department. He says he’s since reached out to NAPE President Jerry Earle to offer clarification on his remarks.
In a statement supplied to VOCM News, Abbott says he recognizes the “valuable work” of social workers and he “whole-heartedly” supports the work of the NAPE Joint Committee on which he has been recently briefed.
He says he looks forward to working with the union on the Committee’s recommendations.