The transportation minister says the potential of putting a total replacement of St. Clare’s back on the table is a “big if” as government plans to undertake an assessment of the hospital.

Last week the province issued an RFP for a consulting team to assess what would be needed to upgrade the facility, and look at possible expansions.

The Official Opposition takes issue with conducting an assessment, arguing that a Facilities Condition Index was completed by the former Liberal government four years ago, which concluded that the facility was in poor condition and pumping money into upgrades was not recommended.

Barry Petten contends that review was done simply to justify the Liberals’ decision to build a new hospital in Kenmount Crossing and that it was a “political document.”

When asked what government will do if the new report confirms the findings of the old one, Petten says he doesn’t anticipate that happening.

He says his department has gotten advice from “people who are knowledgeable about the situation” and they are comfortable that the redevelopment of St. Clare’s is “very doable.”