The Opposition critic for justice and public safety says she’d like to see the provincial government move forward with a number of initiatives started by the former government.

Pam Parsons says she’s pleased to see government extend the benefits program to help victims of the fires on the Conception Bay North Shore with rent to the end of March, but she says a number of permanent solutions must be found, not the least of which is housing, and whether or not Cabot Academy will be rebuilt.

She says “ultimately, this is a region that is going to have to completely rebuild” and permanent solutions need to be put in place.

In the meantime, Parsons says the previous government was looking at acquiring a heavy lift helicopter to help with any future forest firefighting efforts.

“We saw those in action this summer and how effective they were” says Parsons, in addition to repairs to the damaged fifth waterbomber.