Tories going 'on ad nauseam now for two days,' say Grits
Legislature Volpé debating proposed health system reforms
FREDERICTON - "He just keeps talking and talking and talking. It's a bizarre state of events here."
So summarized Health Minister Mike Murphy on Wednesday, as Conservative filibustering brought business in the provincial legislature to a halt.
Across from Murphy stood Opposition Leader Jeannot Volpé, who for two days has prolonged debate on proposed reforms to the health-care system.
The situation began Tuesday afternoon during the second reading of Bill 34, which will reduce the province's regional health authorities from eight to two.
Since then Volpé has protested the idea by continuing to talk for more than 11 hours.
There is no limit on how long an Opposition leader can speak, so Volpé has soldiered on, reading aloud from last year's health authority annual reports.
He is only through the second of eight volumes, meaning the exhibition could continue on for a while.
Murphy called it all a waste of time.
"The business of the province is at a standstill. This is costing many tens of thousands of dollars a day for Mr. Volpé's (display)," he said.
"They've chosen to go on ad nauseam now for two days, It's quite a waste of taxpayers money."
But Volpé shows no sign of ending the standoff.
Today is Opposition day, meaning the Tories can table bills and debate issues of their choosing.
Following a few other Conservative issues, Volpé plans to return to the health authority reports.
"We'll keep on that debate because I believe in it," he said.
Murphy's bill will scrap the current eight health authorities and create just two - based in Bathurst and Miramichi.
Murphy has long expressed concern with duplicated services, a lack of co-operation and yearly deficits within the authorities.
Their combined deficit this year is estimated at $55 million.
But according to Volpé, authority officials were not consulted on the coming changes.
And more importantly, he said, they were not given an opportunity to explain why the deficits exist.
He wants the current CEOs brought in to answer questions from the legislature.
"To be accused without having a chance to fight back - that's pretty low," Volpé said.
The Conservatives also contend the switch to fully appointed boards of directors is an affront to democracy.
For his part, Murphy insists he met with all the authorities earlier this year to discuss problems, including governance issues.
He said Volpé's gamesmanship prevents real debate on the issue and slows other government business.
The debate concluded on Wednesday at 6 p.m. - but only for the day. Murphy fully expects Volpé to prolong debate in the coming days.
"He has the right to continue on for quite awhile," Murphy said.
"There's more to come."
Murphy, who also serves as Liberal House Leader, said measures are available to curb debate but are rarely used.
"There is a point in time when the government's agenda has to go forward."
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