The NDP grilled Premier Andrew Furey in the House of Assembly this afternoon on how the replacement of St. Clare’s Hospital became a priority.

Government announced its intention to replace the aging hospital this week, something that struck many by surprise.

NDP Leader Jim Dinn asked the premier on what he based the decision on.

“Was is actually on data and evidence?” asked Dinn, “or was it though divination?”

Premier Furey says there are 20 percent more people in the metro region and the hospital is 100 years old.

“It’s time the metro region got a modern facility that can meet the demands not only of the metro region but the rest of the province.”