MLA says fellow MLA could have come to him on wharf issue

I read with interest the press release issued Feb. 22 by Sterling Belliveau regarding the needed repairs to the East Pubnico wharf.

In it, he mentions that he has written to the federal Minister of Fisheries, Loyola Hearn, expressing concern over the state of the wharf, and asks that the Minister provide money for repairs.

As he states in his release, the wharf is not in his riding, but is in the neighbouring constituency of Argyle.

I find it puzzling that Mr. Belliveau would not have come to me, as representative for the area, to discover what I have done to advance this issue.

It would seem natural that if I, or any other elected official, were made aware of a situation in another area, that I approach the Member for that area to discuss the issue and see what steps have been taken to advance the issue before taking steps on my own.

I have to ask myself if Mr. Belliveau is truly concerned with this issue, or if he merely sees it as an opportunity to make political hay. Had Mr. Belliveau approached me to express his concern and discuss this issue during his term as MLA for Shelburne, or prior to that time, he would have learned that I have contacted the federal government on several occasions within the past few years regarding this.

Having had little response from the previous Liberal government, I’m optimistic that we will achieve results working with Minister Hearn and South Shore MP Gerald Keddy. The wharf in East Pubnico is in need of repair, and I, as representative for the area, will continue to seek solutions for its repair.

Chris d’Entremont

Argyle MLA